“Ompong” Coverage: OK But Could Have Been Better

 

TYPHOON OMPONG (Mangkhut) was the 15th and so far the strongest typhoon to smash into the Philippines this year, and even as it approached had invited comparisons with the power of such earlier typhoons as Ondoy (2009), Yolanda (2013) and Lawin (2015). Ompong’s maximum winds reached 205 kph with gustiness of up to 255 kph. It also had a 900-km diameter.

Media reported when the US Joint Typhoon Warning System (JTWC) upgraded Mangkhut’s category to a super typhoon on Tuesday, September 11.  But the state weather bureau still categorized it as a typhoon. A report in The Star and 24 Oras noted that the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration  (Pagasa) uses 10-minute average readings of wind speed while JTWC uses one-minute average readings to determine the power of typhoons, helping the public understand the different classification used by the two organizations.

The Star also reported on September 14 that the Hong Kong Observatory also categorized Mangkhut as a super typhoon, but like the rest of the Philippine media, did not explain what the difference could mean to those in the typhoon’s path.

CMFR has noted the remarkable improvement of media in covering disasters over the years, but observed some noticeable shortcomings in the coverage of Ompong. (See: “Media Notes Lapses in Disaster Response”, “Lessons Learned: ‘Lawin’ and Improved Disaster Coverage,” and “Covering ‘Lando’: Lessons Learned”)

CMFR monitored three leading broadsheets (Philippine Daily Inquirer, The Philippine Star and Manila Bulletin) and four primetime newscasts (ABS-CBN 2’s TV Patrol, GMA-7’s 24 Oras, TV5’s Aksyon, and CNN Philippines’ News Night) from September 10 to 17.

In Harm’s Way

Ompong’s strength did not stop some reporters who might have unintentionally put themselves in harm’s way.  CMFR noted some who were out in the wind and rain for their stories. Some were reporting from roof decks and ports, at risk from flying debris or strong waves. While they should be lauded for their zeal and dedication, they need to be reminded that their own safety must be their main concern.

Utilizing Visuals

Visuals help illustrate the extent of the strength of a typhoon and the damage it can cause. The primetime newscasts utilized these to deliver crucial information, including such dangers as storm surges, flooding and landslides. It would have helped readers understand the perils if the broadsheets had also used other images in addition to the usual graphics on the projected path of the storm.

Typhoon signals were hoisted over several provinces and media were not remiss in reminding the public of do’s and don’ts at the height of severe weather. In a report by the Star, Pagasa Weather Forecaster Gener Quitlong explained: “When we raise signal number 1, it doesn’t mean that they can already feel the effect of the typhoon. The warning gives (residents) a 36-hour lead time. They have to evacuate by (tomorrow).” (“Ompong may be worse than Ondoy – Pagasa”)

Specific points such as estimates of when people in the path of the storm can expect strong winds and rains can help communities decide what they should do in the given time. Media should be coordinating more closely with Pagasa to provide these estimates.

Post-Ompong

Post-disaster coverage is equally crucial, since the media can monitor recovery and rehabilitation efforts to inform affected communities about the restoration of power, the delivery of much needed relief and the restoration of normalcy.

At press time, the death toll from Ompong has been pegged at 81, but is expected to rise.

As government officials made the rounds of the provinces that bore the brunt of Ompong, media should be more discerning about covering those who are known to be seeking electoral posts in 2019; especially when their claims to a role in disaster rescue and relief are dubious. In a time of suffering and need, media should not play into the hands of those thinking of nothing more than the media mileage gained by their appearance on the scene.

With media attention now focused on the retrieval operations in Itogon, Benguet, the discussion has also shifted to the need for mining regulation, a longstanding complex policy question.

For now, the media should set the priorities for coverage and keep focused on the immediate and urgent matters first. These include risk assessment of recovery efforts, the restoration of services in devastated communities, especially, the most vulnerable, children and older citizens. Indeed, it should include in the agenda of news reporting, the continuing assessment of various areas prone to disaster. In the aftermath of Ompong, the media should ask what government is going to do about it, what comprehensive plan includes relocation of vulnerable communities, and the allocation of budgets for this priority.