West Valley Fault

As the threat of a major earthquake in Metro Manila looms, experts are calling for a comprehensive review of the city’s disaster preparedness plan.

The West Valley Fault, a 100-kilometer-long geological feature running through the heart of the metropolis, is considered “ripe” for a magnitude 7.2 earthquake, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). Such a quake could result in a staggering number of casualties and widespread destruction.

Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga emphasized the need to update the existing earthquake masterplan, which was last revised in 2016. “We need to understand how many buildings have been retrofitted, our capacity to handle emergencies, and our evacuation plans,” she said.

PHIVOLCS Director Teresito Bacolcol warned that a major earthquake could lead to at least 34,000 deaths and 114,000 injuries in Metro Manila alone. The severity of the damage would depend on the earthquake’s epicenter and the local infrastructure’s resilience.

With the potential for a catastrophic event, experts urge local and national governments to prioritize disaster preparedness and ensure that the city is equipped to handle the consequences of a major earthquake.

Source: PhilStar