The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. has called on officials in Manila to prioritize preparedness over fear regarding “The Big One,” a potential major earthquake. During his speech at the Executive Course on the Incident Command System held in Manila, Solidum emphasized that adequate preparation begins with understanding and awareness.
“We need to empower you and the people below you so they can find the most appropriate solutions in your areas,” he stated. Solidum highlighted the risks posed by the Manila Trench, an active seismic boundary located west of Luzon, which has the capacity to produce earthquakes reaching magnitudes between 8.5 and 9.0. He warned that such events could lead to tsunamis impacting the city”s coastline within an hour.
Previous assessments by DOST indicated an increasing likelihood of a significant earthquake as the year 2058 approaches. This has prompted mayors across Metro Manila to implement various preparedness initiatives to better equip residents for potential seismic events.
In a proactive step, the city government of Manila has distributed emergency go-bags to over 100,000 individuals, which include students, local officials, and employees of city hall. Furthermore, Mayor Isko Moreno announced plans for a city-wide earthquake drill scheduled for next month, aimed at enhancing public readiness for such emergencies.
