West Valley Fault

Reflecting on recent seismic activity and the devastating potential of earthquakes, Ariel Nepomuceno, the administrator of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), has emphasized the paramount importance of bolstering engineering solutions and ensuring compliance with building codes. This imperative comes in anticipation of seismic events, particularly the looming threat of the “Big One.”

In a recent statement, Nepomuceno reiterated the critical role of engineering solutions and adherence to Republic Act 6541, also known as the National Building Code, as fundamental pillars of earthquake preparedness and mitigation efforts. “We really need to improve our efforts for these alongside other measures,” he asserted.

Citing projections for a magnitude 7.2 earthquake along the West Valley Fault, Nepomuceno soberly reminded the public of the potential devastation such an event could wreak. “At least 30,000 to 48,000 individuals might die in the Greater Metro Manila Area,” he cautioned. These figures serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to fortify our infrastructure against seismic threats.

Expressing condolences to Taiwan in the wake of a recent magnitude 7.2 earthquake that struck on April 3, Nepomuceno commended the nation’s preparedness efforts. Despite the tragedy, Taiwan’s proactive measures, particularly in constructing earthquake-resistant buildings, have evidently mitigated the loss of life and injury.

Comparing the recent quake to Taiwan’s devastating magnitude 7.6 earthquake in 1999, which claimed thousands of lives and left tens of thousands injured, Nepomuceno emphasized the importance of learning from such events. “The reported deaths and injuries caused by the recent earthquake are much lesser compared to the magnitude 7.6 earthquake that hit their country in 1999,” he observed. This underscores the necessity for the Philippines to redouble its efforts in implementing robust engineering solutions to minimize potential casualties in the event of strong earthquakes.

As seismic risks continue to loom large, Nepomuceno’s words serve as a call to action for authorities and stakeholders to prioritize infrastructure resilience and stringent building code compliance. Only through concerted efforts can we fortify our communities and mitigate the human toll of future seismic events.

Source: PNA.gov.ph, PhilStar