Located in a seismically active region, the Philippines must be aware of its vulnerability to earthquakes due to its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Experts warn of a potential 7.2 magnitude earthquake (like the “Big One”) but the Philippines is not ready for a magnitude 7.7 earthquake similar to the one that struck Myanmar last week, as declared by Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, Civil Defense administrator.
The Office of Civil Defense identifies two levels of readiness: engineering solutions (making structures earthquake-proof), and community preparedness (training and drills).
USecretary Nepomuceno said most Filipinos know how to “duck, cover and hold” during an earthquake because of nationwide earthquake drills.
Engineering solutions are the first level of readiness for major earthquakes, by making structures such as houses, buildings, and bridges earthquake-proof, he said.
Schools and health centers also need to be retrofitted to withstand massive tremors.
The OCD is urging Filipinos to go to hazardhunter.ph and type your address “to see if their house is near a fault system or near a landslide-prone area.”
Is the local government taking notice of these readiness measures?
Scientists have noted that Negros Oriental is classified to have a high earthquake hazard potential, according to information that is currently available.
If you recall, Negros Oriental experienced an earthquake on Feb. 6, 2012 , with a body wave magnitude of 6.7, and a maximum intensity of VII, with the epicenter in La Libertad.
On 10 June 2018, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, in partnership with Yes Pinoy Foundation, and the local government of La Libertad, held a training on climate change and disaster risk-reduction management campaigns.
Rep. Jocelyn Sy-Limkaichong of the 1st District of Negros Oriental, along with Mayor Emmanuel Iway, welcomed Wolfgang Heinze, country director of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, who stated that “education paves the way for appropriate action.”
He explained: “Knowledge on disaster risk management and environmental sustainability would enable people to create initiatives—directly create or be part of solutions. This makes them free to take part in solutions which ensure that generations to come will enjoy the benefits of having a smarter and greener environment.”
Disaster preparedness training targeted young adults, children and youth leaders. Conducted in two parts, the training aimed to empower even the vulnerable in case of calamities. The first part was a disaster-risk preparedness training for young adults and children. The second part was designed to equip youth leaders with the knowledge and tools to lead communities when disasters strike.
As early as yesterday, earthquake preparedness and mitigation involve creating emergency plans, securing homes and businesses, and participating in drills to ensure safety and minimize potential damage.
Structural measures include strengthening the building elements that support the structure, and resist lateral forces from wind and earthquakes, such as foundations, columns, load-bearing walls, floor diaphragms, roof diaphragms, and the connections between these structural elements.
Scientists have tried predicting earthquakes, but none have been successful. On any particular fault, scientists know there will be another earthquake sometime in the future, but they have no way of telling when it will happen.
So let us all be prepared!
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Author’s email: whelmayap@yahoo.com
