It is possible to build homes, buildings — and even cities — that have a much better chance of withstanding super typhoons and other extreme weather conditions resulting from climate change.

This is according to an Italian architect and expert on green building and sustainable architecture who is offering to contribute his skills to help rebuild Leyte and the other parts of the Visayas that have been recently devastated by typhoon Yolanda.

“Buildings and cities can be planned, designed and developed to minimize and in some cases avoid damage created by 20-foot storm surges and other extreme conditions,” said Architect Romolo V. Nati, Executive Chairman and CEO of ITALPINAS Euroasian Design and Eco-Development Corporation (ITPI), a real estate company that specializes in the design and development of sustainable buildings.

The second deadliest typhoon on record, Yolanda (Haiyan), slammed into Eastern Visayas early this month, killing thousands, destroying at least a million houses and leaving millions homeless.  On Sunday, Yolanda’s death toll was over 5,000 and still rising.

Much of the destruction was caused by the super strong winds and the storm surge brought by the Category 5 typhoon.

Opportunity to rebuild damaged communities

“I feel very sad for the Filipinos in Tacloban City in Leyte who have to deal with the death and destruction brought by Yolanda, and I would like to help them get back on their feet,” said Nati, who has made the Philippines his adoptive home for four years.

“But I would like to remind them that in every loss, there is also opportunity,” he said.  “With most of Tacloban City in Leyte and Guiuan in Samar flattened by the storm, there is now a chance to develop the master plans of the new cities and towns — sustainable master plans that take into account the need to survive typhoons and build sustainable habitats.

Read more of the story here.

-Danilova Molintas

Featured in GMA News Online, 24 November 2013