“The Big One” is long overdue
Phivolcs director Renato Solidum warns, “Everyone must learn from the recent effects of the magnitude 6.7 earthquake in Surigao del Norte. If a similar event happens in a highly urbanized area, the effects can be more devastating.”
He added that movement along the West Valley Fault has long been overdue, and that residents who live near the area should be prepared in case “The Big One” hits.
According to Solidum, the West Valley Fault moves roughly every 400 years. The last major earthquake happened in 1658, or 357 years ago. The fault traverses parts of Bulacan through Quezon City, Marikina, Makati, Pasig, Taguig and Muntinlupa in Metro Manila; San Pedro, Biñan, Sta. Rosa, Cabuyao and Calamba in Laguna; and Carmona, General Mariano Alvarez and Silang in Cavite.
It can kill up to 34,000 people
Based on a 2004 study funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency for Phivolcs and the MMDA, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake along the West Valley Fault could kill up to 34,000 people, and injure 100,000.
Regarding the Surigao quake and the aftershocks, he said that it would not trigger any movement along the West Valley Fault.
The magnitude 6.7 quake that happened in Surigao has killed at least 8 people, and injured hundreds.
What can we do to prepare?
Being ready in case an earthquake happens is very important, as the Philippines is located in a region that’s very earthquake prone. Here are some things to always keep in mind so that you and your family can be safe in the event of an earthquake:
- Make sure to know where you can safely go to should an earthquake happen. Any place inside your home, school, or office with a strong wall is a good place to go to should an earthquake happen.
- Have a place where you can safely store any important files or documents, as well as necessary supplies such as medicine, canned food, and clean drinking water.
- Figure out ways of how you and your family can get in touch with each other should an earthquake happen. You should also have a designated meeting place so that in case communication lines get cut off, you have a meeting point.
- During an earthquake, make sure to keep away from windows or places where things might fall on top of you. Stay under a strong wall, or under strong furniture.
- Once an earthquake stops, be careful of your surroundings and try to avoid any unstable ground, or any electrical wiring that might have been dislodged by the quake.
Source: philstar.com, radyo.inquirer.net
READ: Preparing your family for the Big Manila Earthquake
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