BECAUSE of its geographical location, the Philippines is facing constant risks of earthquakes above magnitude 7, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol said the country is surrounded by multiple fault lines, making it prone to experiencing seismic activities.

“Except for Palawan, almost every part of the Philippines is affected by active faults. We have six major trenches, all capable of generating large-magnitude earthquakes and even tsunamis,” Bacolcol said in a report by Manila Bulletin.

The presence of faults and trenches located in the different areas in the Philippines poses a potential trigger that could mimic the strongest earthquakes ever recorded in the country’s history—the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Luzon, the 8.1 magnitude Moro Gulf earthquake, and the recent 7.7 magnitude in Myanmar and Thailand.

Despite conducting earthquake drills and other emergency preparedness activities, achieving full readiness remains a significant challenge, particularly with regard to the anticipated 7.2 magnitude 'Big One' earthquake forecasted by three different agencies—Phivolcs, Metro Mabila Development Authority, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency. These agencies have estimated that Metro Manila could suffer up to 33,000 casualties.

“We cannot be 100% prepared. That is quite impossible. But we are more prepared now than before,” Bacolcol said.

Bacolcol also mentioned the importance of ‘retrofitting and reinforcing' high-rise buildings, especially in Metro Manila where buildings are considered outdated and not structurally equipped to withstand an earthquake.

Bacolcol emphasized the need to prioritize developing evacuation plans, familiarity of emergency exits, preparing basic necessities that could at least last for three days, and to practice duck, cover, and hold drills, particularly for those residing in high-rise buildings.

Apart from earthquake preparedness, efforts have been intensified on educating people about the indicators of an impending tsunami, such as a strong earthquake, a sudden drop in sea level, or a loud rumbling sound from the ocean.

“If any of these signs are observed, evacuate to high ground immediately,” Bacolcol said.(MyTVCebu)

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• #Philippines
• #Earthquake
• #Phivolcs
• #Fault lines
• #Seismic Activities