EDITORIAL: Earthquake Preparedness

THE shadow of devastation looms over the National Capital Region and nearby provinces, as experts warn that “The Big One”—a magnitude 7.2 earthquake along the West Valley Fault—could strike within our generation or the next.

The predicted toll is staggering: at least 51,500 lives lost, over 100,000 injured, and 12% of residential buildings heavily damaged. While we cannot predict exactly when this catastrophe will occur, we can, and must, prepare for its eventuality.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has long sounded the alarm about the dire consequences of a major earthquake in Metro Manila.

A ground shaking of intensity 8 could cripple infrastructure, collapse buildings, and trigger massive fires that would claim thousands more lives. Yet, despite repeated warnings, preparedness remains insufficient.

Lessons from history demand that we act now. The 1976 Cotabato earthquake and tsunami, which claimed 8,000 lives, serves as a grim reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the deadly consequences of being unprepared.

More recently, the 1990 Luzon earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.7, left a trail of destruction across Baguio City, Nueva Ecija, and Pangasinan. These past disasters should compel us to heed expert recommendations with urgency.

The government must intensify efforts to strengthen earthquake preparedness, particularly in Metro Manila. This includes retrofitting old buildings, ensuring strict enforcement of building codes, and identifying safe evacuation areas.

More crucially, authorities must conduct regular drills, establish clear emergency response protocols, and provide communities with accessible information on earthquake safety.

Citizens, too, bear a responsibility in safeguarding their families. Every household must have an emergency plan: securing heavy furniture, preparing emergency kits, and knowing evacuation routes.

Simple measures such as the “Duck, Cover, and Hold” technique can save lives during the quake itself, while heightened awareness about tsunami warning signs could prevent thousands of deaths in coastal areas.

We cannot afford complacency. The science is clear, and the risk is real. Preparedness is not just an option—it is a necessity for survival. Let us not wait for tragedy to strike before we take action. The time to prepare is now.