The Implications of Preparing for Natural Disasters in US Territories: Guam and Typhoon Mawar

US Territories Like Guam Should Prioritize Disaster Preparedness

The Typhoon Mawar Disaster

On Sunday, May 14, 2017, Typhoon Mawar struck the beautiful U.S. Territory of Guam. While the island is no stranger to the unforgiving power of Mother Nature, this particular typhoon left significant damage in its wake. Wind gusts of up to 85 mph left most of the island without power, while flooding and landslides caused multiple road closures. The Guam Department of Education, concerned about student safety, made the decision to close schools, further exacerbating the chaos on this small Pacific Island.

How Prioritizing Disaster Preparedness Could Help

It is no secret that Guam is subject to various natural disasters, such as typhoons, earthquakes, and tsunamis. While preparation for such events is taken seriously by the guam government, more can be done to strengthen preparedness efforts. One way this can be accomplished is by prioritizing disaster preparedness and allocating the necessary resources to support it. This would allow for better infrastructure preparation, such as reinforcing utility poles and ensuring that residents have access to safe shelters during an event. Moreover, prioritizing such preparedness would enable local communities to better communicate and coordinate, significantly improving response times.

The Importance of Preparedness Beyond Guam

Guam is not alone in its vulnerability to natural disasters, and the destruction wreaked on the island is a reminder of the importance of preparedness and the need for greater investment. In recent years, natural disasters have had a devastating impact across the United States, from Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico to wildfires in California. While it’s impossible to control such disasters, preparedness can go a long way in mitigating the damage they cause.

Conclusion

Guam‘s experience with Typhoon Mawar is a reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness for US territories and beyond. Investing in the necessary resources, infrastructure, and coordination is critical to ensure more secure communities and an efficient response to natural disasters. As individuals, we can be better prepared by being alert to any warning signs and having a family emergency plan in place. We must prioritize the idea that before anything occurs, we have to make sure we are ready to face whatever nature throws our way.