What are your thoughts on a possible earthquake?

Senator Loren Legarda

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) already warned that the Marikina Valley Fault Line is ripe for movement but no one can predict the exact time it will move. A 2004 JICA study revealed that a 7.2-magnitude earthquake in Metro Manila could destroy 40 percent of residential buildings and 35 percent of all public buildings, and kill 34,000 and injure 114,000 people. Earthquakes do not kill, but unsafe structures do. We should evaluate and retrofit all infrastructure such as buildings and bridges to withstand strong quakes; conduct regular earthquake drills; and craft evacuation plans that would help people find the fastest and safest way to reach open spaces and safe areas.

The Senate Committee on Climate Change, which I chair, in collaboration with various government agencies, produced the Disaster Preparedness and First Aid Handbook, which we have been distributing and it can be accessed on my website: www.lorenlegarda.com.ph/disaster-preparedness-and-first-aid-handbook/.

Source: PhilStar