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Editorial: Mother Nature not the only culprit

The devastation wrought by Typhoon Nari demonstrates that a combination of natural disaster and man-made errors can all too easily create a living hell. It is sad to see so many people suffering due to widescale flooding. While Mother Nature may be the major cause of the damage, the government and the public cannot escape blame. The failure to be fully prepared is a key factor in this week's catastrophe.

When issuing typhoon alerts, the government says people should "be prepared," but it rarely tells them what they really need to know. Should any areas be evacuated? In what areas should residents prepare sandbags and water pumps? Where can the people park their cars to avoid possible flooding? What are the telephone numbers of the government units directly in charge of emergency relief so that people don't overload the 119 system?

The Nantou County Government is the exception to the rule. It has obviously taken to heart the lessons taught by the terrible disasters that have befallen the county in recent years. Several thousand residents in areas judged to be at risk were evacuated to temporary shelters. The county government's performance in this regard has truly been remarkable.

The central and local governments and legislative representatives should help organize communities. Legislators should launch collective disaster-prevention efforts at the community level, such as cleaning up blockages in sewers, urging the county or city government to keep trees on streets trimmed, to ensure streets and sidewalks are cleared of debris or vehicles ahead of heavy storms. They must also take the lead in organizing community clean-ups after a storm or disaster and push local authorities on needed road repairs.

People must also do their part, by taking the necessary precautions and preparations -- by stocking food, water and other emergency supplies. Many people called radio stations during the passage of Typhoon Nari, asking for food and water. Obviously, they were totally unprepared. Other people refused to comply with evacuation orders or tried to return home after being evacuated. These people not only place themselves at risk, they put disaster-relief personnel in grave danger. It would only be fair if they are punished. If the necessary legislation does not exist, it should be proposed and passed.

Taipower deserves a reprimand as well -- or perhaps even to loose its power monopoly. How could it not realize that the electrical generators placed in basements or low-lying areas are at risk and should be relocated to higher areas?

What government units are responsible for the serious delay in renovating the Keelung River water bank? How can these units ensure the projects will finish in a timely manner without compromising construction quality?

Flood victims have the right to demand that the government provide reasonable and timely answers to their questions. The explanation that the volume of the rainfall was "record-breakingly high" is neither a panacea nor a comfort.

The frequent flooding of Hsihchih has long been viewed both by the public and the DPP as a clear demonstration of the KMT's mind-boggling incompetence. If flood prevention work continues to be in arrears, it will become a source of shame for the DPP as well.

That being said, the people of Taiwan should learn from the way that politicians and the general public in other countries react in times of disaster. Ruling and opposition parties showing solidarity in disaster relief efforts -- instead of attempting to blame one another -- is the norm, not the exception. The ability to put the interests of the people first is an admirable trait Taiwan's politicians and officials would do well to emulate.
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