Coping with Power Outage and Calamities through Communication and Technology

Communication is an important tool in our daily lives. It makes life easier and more convenient. However, nowadays people rely too much on modern technology. They even use it for simple tasks like talking to each other, shopping, cooking etc. That's why when calamities occur, we are having a hard time adjusting because we have become accustomed to using technology. Since there is no electricity, we are not able to use most of our electronics and gadgets. We find it difficult to communicate with our families especially those who live in far places. We are also unaware about the current situation around us during calamities. Other natural resources are also affected like the supply of food and water.

During the recent typhoon "Glenda", I have observed and personally experienced how people coped up without electricity and technology. Everyone had no choice but to go back to simpler times like using candles and flashlights as their source of light. Neighbors who have transistor radios would inform others of announcements and updates. People also charged their cellphones, tablets, laptops and other electronic devices in places that have generators. Although there are a lot of inconveniences brought upon by the typhoon, there are also some good things that happened. People communicated in person rather than through cellphones and the internet, they also helped and relied on each other. Modern technology may have made our lives fast-paced and convenient but we should be reminded of how people communicated in the early days when we didn't have electronic gadgets and devices to assist us. Most of us have already forgotten the other forms of communication such as writing, having a conversation which are the roots of communication. All I can say is that whatever situation that may arise, whatever medium we use, we can make it through by using communication.