Jonathan Robert Effemey

Guardian Professional, Wednesday 27 November 2013 17.31 GMT

Recently during two "normal" typhoons I witnessed the amazing efficiency of the existing barangay [village] based systems in the Philippines. Down the road from where I live in Valenzuela city, a small ruined block of houses supports many families with a huge number of small children. The block is next to the river, and floods constantly. During previous typhoons there was time to move these families to a basketball court that doubles up as an assembly area. This was usually done over night and involved the city administration, the barangay and the Philippine Red Cross. They bring food, water, small canoes and the city has an amphibious truck. It's all very efficient, no fuss, no arguments. This is just one barangay amongst maybe hundreds across the Philippines, each with their own approach.

The Philippines have some thing like 20 typhoons a year and often experience earthquakes, so they could probably teach the rest of the world about disaster management. There have been reports recently praising the Philippines for their strong democracy and the way the barangay system has managed to get funds to the poorest without corruption. But this typhoon was in a whole order different from any before. My partner, said she has never seen anything like this before in the Philippines. Following the typhoon these systems were totally over whelmed. There were many reports of those desperate to help in the aftermath but unable to access the means to do so. It is clear that existing systems need revamping.

So what is needed?

First, we need more secure shelters and this is no easy task. Recently a local mayor was talking about making areas by the sea "no go" areas. This may be one possible solution but we also need to think about the informal settlers by the sea and what buildings survived Typhoon Haiyan. Most of the makeshift buildings were smashed so more robust concrete structures may be needed. Outside specialists could well be of help here. We need secure buildings above sea level to use as evacuation bases.

Second, we need more scientific research to understand typhoons and hurricanes. There is research out there but it now needs to be put onto something of a war footing: satellite observations, sea temperatures, computer modelling and all the rest as a matter of urgency. This needs to help us to accurately predict the occurrence and path of future typhoons. Will their strength increase because of global warming? Any new typhoon, especially a super one will need to very closely monitored right from the start.

Third, we need quicker communications systems in place to make immediate evacuations and get supplies to affected people. We need national bases across the Philippines with the necessary emergency equipment at the ready.

I've been disappointed by coverage of Typhoon Haiyan using references to "poor, third world countries". Yes large areas of the Philippines are relatively poor and yes the Philippines does need help. But we must also remember that the country has made positive steps to create systems to respond to disasters. International assistance is needed but should aim to build on, rather than replace, what already exists.

Jonathan Robert Effemey, retired technology teacher, Valenzuela city Philippines