Key Lessons from Mega Disasters

The Haiyan/Yolanda Experience

Abstract

There is the continuing quest for lessons to enable man to recover and rehabilitate from the devastations from mega disasters. Anchored on the systems theory and using a descriptive method, this case study focused on the key lessons learned by the Mayor of Tanauan, Leyte as he led his town to rise from the destruction of Super Typhoon Haiyan. Investigating the interview through narrative analysis, he categorized the work into two major phases. 1) Relief Phase: Emergency provision of food and potable water; medical care; temporary shelters; assure security and immediate clearing operations, and; restoration of power supply, and;. 2) Rehabilitation and Recovery Phase: Building Back Better damages on permanent shelter, public infrastructure and livelihood. The 4 key lessons were: 1) Proactiveness; 2) Priority Setting; 3) Community-driven and Collaboration, and; 4) Personal  Leadership. These lessons ought to be disseminated as these may save properties and lives