By Richard Jones
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has announced plans to update Metro Manila’s earthquake preparedness strategy. This highlights the urgent need to address changes in the region’s urban landscape and infrastructure since the last plan was released in 2016.
Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga emphasized revising the current framework to reflect the metro area’s significant developments and increased vulnerabilities. “With the rapid urbanization and infrastructural changes, our earthquake preparedness plan must evolve to mitigate risks and enhance resilience effectively,” she stated.
Concerns from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) underscore the call for an updated plan. Director Teresito Bacolcol warned that the West Valley Fault, a major seismic fault line running through the region, is due for a significant movement. The fault’s last recorded activity was in 1658, making it “ripe for a major earthquake,” according to Bacolcol.
Estimates suggest potential devastation in the event of a 7.2-magnitude earthquake, with projections of up to 34,000 deaths and 114,000 injuries. These figures underline the critical need for an updated comprehensive disaster response plan.
The DENR’s initiative is a comprehensive effort that will involve collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, including various government agencies, local government units, and experts. This ensures that the revised plan will address current risks and incorporate the latest technologies and methodologies for disaster preparedness and response.
As Metro Manila’s population and infrastructure continue to expand, the need for an updated earthquake plan becomes increasingly urgent. This plan is a vital step in safeguarding the lives and properties of its residents.
