Storm Coverage and Community Response
As the super storm Uwan loomed over the Philippines, anxiety and uncertainty gripped communities across the nation. In times like these, people turned to trusted sources for real-time updates and guidance. Two YouTube livestreams—one from One News TV and another from Teleradyo DZMM—became lifelines for countless viewers, offering continuous coverage, expert analysis, and a sense of connection during a night of relentless rain and wind.
A particularly enlightening report on traditional media was when Ariel Rojas, a resident meteorologist at DZMM, took to the airwaves later in the evening before the land fall at 9:10 p.m. With clarity and composure, Rojas, with a masteral degree in meteorology at the state university, explained the evolving behavior of the storm.
Due to the storm's vast size and its potential to cause intense winds and heavy rainfall, scientific information was needed. He noted that the cloud cover had either broken or diminished, providing a glimmer of hope. Yet, he cautioned that as the storm crossed into the West Philippine Sea, another surge could be expected. His calm, knowledgeable delivery helped set realistic expectations for the coming hours.
For many viewers—myself included—his sign-off was a signal that it was finally safe to rest, even if only for a short while.
The courage and dedication of field reporters from TV5 and DZMM stood out throughout the coverage. Despite the dangers posed by the storm, these reporters ventured into the harshest conditions to deliver on-the-ground updates. Their professionalism was evident in the way they framed their stories and interacted with studio hosts. Reporters such as Gio in Aurora, Ian at Baseco, Mon G in Santiago, Evan in Baler, and Arles in Albay, along with Kat, Jeff, Robert M., and Zeus, all played crucial roles in keeping the public informed and reassured. Their willingness to risk their own safety for the sake of public service was nothing short of heroic.
Adding another dimension to the coverage were the storm chasers, whose documentation of the event provided viewers with a unique, up-close perspective on the storm’s power and unpredictability. Their real-time footage and insights heightened the sense of urgency and underscored the seriousness of the situation.
The morning after the storm, a wave of gratitude swept through the community. Thanks were extended not only to the media but also to essential service providers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. PAGASA forecasters, utility companies like Meralco, SkyCable, Sky Broadband, Signal TV, Globe at Home, PLDT, Smart, DITO, and Manila Water were all recognized for their efforts in keeping vital services running.
Local businesses such as The Marketplace, Easy Mart, Jollibee, and Refill Station were also acknowledged for their support, whether by staying open, providing supplies, or simply offering a sense of normalcy in the aftermath.
After a long, exhausting night, the storm tracker rewarded themselves with a well-deserved breakfast at JB, reflecting on the collective effort and the prayers that had seen everyone through safely.
At first, I felt helpless as news of the impending disaster unfolded. The situation seemed overwhelming and uncertain. However, inspiration from the media, field reporters, networks, and risk reduction management councils at every level began to shift my outlook.
What began as a sense of dread gradually transformed into optimism as I saw people coming together, supporting one another, and demonstrating incredible resilience in the face of adversity.
Monitoring One News TV and Teleradyo DZMM
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