THE public was urged to never let its guards down and to always prepare for the “The Big One” or strong earthquake that could rattle the country, especially the Metro Manila, anytime.

Renato Solidum Jr., Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), said that if “The Big One” strikes and without any preparation, the expected number of casualties would reach to 50,000 while the number of critically injured would be at least 25,000 to 30,000 across Metro Manila, including Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, and other neighboring provinces.

Once the anticipated jolt caused by the movement of the West Valley Fault or "Marikina fault" occurs, the expected magnitude could reach to 7.2 or more, dividing eastern Metro Manila and neighboring places, thus the preparation should not only be limited to Metro Manila.

Solidum said over time, buildings become more vulnerable as these have limited life span, and so there's a need for regular checkups and inspection to ensure the structural integrity of these structures.

Regular inspections were done regularly even during the time of Alexander Pama, former executive director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and former Office of Civil Defense (OCD) administrator, as part of the Greater Manila area study, or the seismic resilience of Metro Manila, Solidum said.

The DOST secretary this study needs to be validated and acted upon especially with the new Mayors who should be accustomed to the necessary readiness for major earthquakes. This should also be expanded to neighboring provinces.

Experts are concerned about the West Valley Fault line as it poses a more serious threat to urban mobility in the metropolitan area.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), this fault moves every 200 to 400 years and it traverses the cities of Taguig, Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Quezon City, Pasig, Makati and Marikina, as well as the provinces of Rizal, Laguna, Cavite and Bulacan.(LAO)

• Tags
• #The Big One
• #Earthquake
• #Metro Manila
• #Renato Solidum Jr.
• #Department of Science and Technology
• #DOST
• #West Vally Fault
• #Marikini Fault