Phivolcs Urges Public To Prepare for “Big One” Earthquake
Phivolcs director Usec. Renato U. Solidum Jr. is reminding the public to immediately prepare for the impending “Big One” earthquake.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) were urging the public to prepare for the worst case scenario after experiencing series of earthquakes in the country.
The seismologists have recorded an average of 20 earthquakes per day in different parts of the country. The volcanology agency reiterates to the public that there’s still instrument or devices in the country that can predict as to when an earthquake will hit a certain place.
Solidum said that all we can do now is to prepare for a major earthquake, which might possibly hit the Metro Manila and its nearby provinces.
“Kulang tayo sa disaster imagination, kulang sa pag-imagine kung ano ang mangyayari kapag lumindol, gaano kalawak ang epekto, kung gaano karami ang maaapektuhan, at kung ano ang solusyon,” said by Solidum in an interview.
Phivolcs also explained that the series of earthquakes that recently struck the different areas in the country cannot affect the West Valley Fault. However, if this fault moves, it is expected to generate a devastating magnitude 7.2 earthquake.
The magnitude 7.2 earthquake is also known as the “Big One,” which can possibly injure 100, 000 people and take the lives of estimated 34, 000 people. It can also heavily damaged buildings consists of sub-standard materials and can slightly damage well-build establishments.
The Phivolcs director has also urged the public to check if their houses are located under the fault line. He also said that houses should be at least 5-meter away from the fault and houses should be made up of 6 inches hollow blocks and 10mm deformed bar.
Solidum also advised the residents in the affected area to have an earthquake plan, preparing a “Go Bag,” preparing food and medicines in case of emergency.
