Do Filipino People Prepared For The ‘Big One’?
Are Filipino people ready for the so-called ‘Big One’ earthquake that could possibly hit Metro Manila and its nearby areas?
The ‘Big One’ is a major earthquake with a 7.2-magnitude that could affect the residents living along the West Valley Fault.
The West Valley Fault line covers the areas of Metro Manila including Quezon City, Marikina City, Pasig City, Makati City, Taguig City, and Muntinlupa City. The areas of Bulacan, Laguna, and Cavite could be also affected by the major quake.
The devastating earthquake could kill around 34,000 people and injure over 100,000 individuals.
If the magnitude 7.2 earthquake occurs, are Filipino people living in Metro Manila and its nearby areas ready?
Over the past few years, the local government units usually remind the residents along the West Valley Fault line to be always prepared.
The authorities encouraged the residents to attend earthquake drills and prepare emergency kits that could last up to five or seven days.
However, some residents remain unprepared due to lack of disaster preparedness in the event of earthquake.
Dr. Ted Esguerra, the Disaster Preparedness and Response Unit Lead of the Energy Development Corporation and the founder and course designer of Wilderness Search and Rescue Team predicted that if “Big One” occur Metro Manila would run out of food and water for a week.
Esguerra also believes that “The consciousness, the awareness is there, but the adjustment to really prepare is not there. Hindi nila way of life.”
What can you say about this? Just feel free to leave your comments and reactions to this article.