The Daily Star Lives of danger, poverty on Philippines' typhoon coast The Daily Star A boy cycles past coconut trees destroyed at the height of Typhoon Hagupit and a sign at a village in Taft town, Eastern Samar province, central Philippines on December 10. Photo: AFP. Life is a constant throw of the dice for farmer Nilo Dilao and other ... Super Typhoon Shoved Car-Size Boulders Onto Philippine BeachesYahoo News UK Lives of danger, poverty on typhoon coastGulf Times Danger and poverty on Philippines' typhoon coastChina Post Saudi Gazette all 42 news articles » Continue reading...
It is interesting to note that, even considering the worst weather patterns come from the East, and move West, people in Phil still settled and built on the East Coast, when the safest part of the Islands are either inland or on the West. I guess the main reason is the large population and small land mass on which to settle, however there are still areas that are not settled? Also fishing was and is a large part of their income. It would seem suicide to others to live there, but normal, and necessary for them perhaps
I wouldn't , mind betting that land cost had something to do with it also. Labour may have come cheaper too. so maybe also building was Cheaper. Do we have anyone that can give a guide to Land Cost on the east coast. Is it comparatively cheaper than Inland or on the West coast?
I would think that people originally settled there because the land was fertile. The typhoons do serve a purpose. The extreme amounts of rain leads to flooding and to more fertile farm land. They have screwed themselves by chopping down all the trees which reduced wind speeds and, in turn, increases damage caused by typhoons. Most people in that part of the country live in extreme poverty and don't have the luxury of moving elsewhere. That part of the country is not as overpopulated as other parts of the country.....probably for good reason. If you look at a map you will see that there aren't too many large cities on the east coast. Most major metropolitan areas are in the center/west side of the islands/country. Manila being a perfect example....look east of Manila and it goes from extreme overpopulation to almost nothing (only mountains and jungles) in a very short distance.
