It seems Palawan just can’t catch a break. After a week of non-stop downpours, gusty winds, and one too many drenched laundry days, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan has declared the entire province under a state of calamity. The southwest monsoon (or habagat, as it’s lovingly known) has been showing no mercy, relentlessly battering towns from San Vicente to Roxas. And if you thought that was bad, brace yourself, because more storms are coming—thanks to the ever-reliable tropical cyclones.

Let’s talk about what led to this: four tropical cyclones, Ferdie, Gener, Helen, and Igme, turned the otherwise serene Palawan into their personal playground from September 12 to 19. As if that wasn’t enough, the enhanced monsoon decided to join the fun, causing massive floods and landslides, and leaving a grand total of 169,545 people displaced. That’s about the population of a small city huddled in evacuation centers, wishing for sunshine. Oh, and a quick shoutout to the 182 houses that bore the brunt of it—28 of them couldn’t take it anymore and decided to call it quits entirely.

But wait, there’s more. If your week didn’t already feel apocalyptic enough, you can look forward to up to seven more tropical cyclones predicted to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) in the last three months of 2024. PAGASA warns of a stormy cocktail consisting of 2 to 3 storms in October, another 1 to 2 in November, and, you guessed it, 1 to 2 in December. La Niña’s also RSVP’d for the event, promising stronger typhoons and a generous helping of rain until early 2025.

As grim as all this sounds, Palawan’s Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) isn’t sitting idly by. They’ve recommended the calamity declaration (based on a Rapid Disaster Assessment and Needs Analysis that essentially told us what we already know: everything’s pretty messed up), allowing the release of ₱20 million in Quick Response Funds. Crops have been flattened, bancas smashed, school buildings flooded, and tourism establishments are reeling from the damages. In total, Palawan’s agricultural losses have soared to over ₱42 million, while some poor fishermen have lost a combined ₱3.6 million in fishing gear and boats.

With damages piling up like Palawan’s legendary beach sand, the PDRRMC’s report confirms that the agriculture sector was the hardest hit, followed by tourism. In fact, six tourism establishments in El Nido reported over ₱380,000 worth of damages. And what would this calamity be without tragic human losses? Sadly, nine individuals lost their lives in the chaos, with several still missing in Balabac.

So, what’s next for the province? Well, we can’t control the weather (though we wish we could!), but Palawan’s spirit is as resilient as ever. While residents brace for more possible storms, now is the time for solidarity, preparedness, and community effort. Keep your eyes on the skies, listen to PAGASA’s weather updates, and maybe stay off the beach for a while. In the meantime, the province is already hustling to get aid where it’s needed, making sure that the damage left by the habagat doesn’t turn into a prolonged disaster.

On the bright side, think of it as Palawan’s annual water-themed obstacle course—minus the fun. With the rainy season showing no signs of stopping, it’s time to bring out your trusty raincoats, umbrellas, and survival instincts because this is just part of the tropical adventure that comes with island life.

Let’s face it: Palawan has survived worse. And with a little luck, a lot of teamwork, and (hopefully) some sunny days ahead, this island paradise will power through the storms, just like it always has. Stay safe, stay dry, and for the love of all things Palawan, stock up on those canned goods and water.