Are we Prepared for the "Big One?"

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology director Renato Solidum has warned that residents of Metro Manila and nearby provinces should prepare for a “mega earthquake” that could destroy key infrastructure and kill thousands of people.

Solidum reiterated the warning as he said the West Valley Fault traversing across Metro Manila  could be hit by a powerful quake since the fault usually moves every 400 to 600 years.

The last time a strong quake occurred was in 1658 or 357 years ago.

Solidum issued the statement following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck  Nepal in April. More than 8,000  died in the quake, with thousands left injured and homeless.

Last year, a joint study conducted by local agencies and the Australian government showed that a magnitude 7.2-earthquake in the West Valley Fault could kill 37,054 people and cause P2.4 trillion in damage.

The results were “very statistically similar” with the Metro Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study undertaken by Phivolcs, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the Japan International Cooperation Agency in 2004, Solidum said.

As this developed, Malacañang said that Phivolcs and the  National Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council  are now conducting an information campaigns on the possibility of a “mega earthquake” occurring in the Philippines.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said Phivolcs and the NDRRMC are  taking the lead in the earthquake information drive.

In several communities, the  local disaster risk reduction and management council is also performing its duties, Coloma said.

“In  Muntinlupa, since the  West Valley fault may be  affected, there has been educational and awareness campaign with the  residents, and the communities are working on measures that can be implemented. We all help out in spreading  information and strengthen our  readiness against earthquakes and other natural disasters. This is part of our duties as good citizens of our republic,” said Coloma.

Meanwhile, the MMDA has urged local government units to inspect at random  school dormitories and determine if these comply with safety rules and standards.

MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino called on LGUs and Bureau of  Fire Protection officials to ensure that fire exits, fire alarms and other safety equipment are functioning.

Taking advantage of the summer vacation  to correct any deficiency will go a long way to keep the students’ out of harm’s way, Tolentino said. -end-

                                

Image by xuwenewegu.webatu.com