The devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar last March 28 and successive mild tremors in the Philippines have made many Filipinos fearful of the possibility of the “Big One.” 

The earthquake in Myanmar had its epicenter near Mandalay, its second largest city. United Nations aid officials put the latest casualty figures at 3,354 people killed and 4,850 injured, with 220 still missing. 

While the earthquakes that shook different areas in the Philippines in recent days were of much lower magnitude, the country is still vulnerable to above-7-magnitude seismic events due to its numerous active faults, according to the volcanologist Mahar Lagmay.

“We need to remember that the Philippines is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the most seismically active zones in the world,” Lagmay, head of the University of the Philippines’ Resilience Institute in Diliman, said in an interview last week with journalism interns of CoverStory.ph.

He said the tremors in Myanmar “serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of earthquakes and their potential for widespread destruction,” and pointed out that “while we can’t predict when an earthquake will strike, we know it’s a matter of ‘when,’ not ‘if.’” 

Lagmay raised concern about the potential impact of a major earthquake in Metro Manila, which is situated along the West and East Valley faults. The West Valley Fault is particularly capable of generating a “Big One” with a magnitude of up to 7.2, he said.

“The sheer force of such an earthquake could cause widespread destruction to buildings, infrastructure, and, critically, may cause the death of 33,000 Filipinos,” he warned.

The extent of destruction goes beyond structural damage. A “Big One” can trigger landslides and tsunamis and disrupt essential services like power, water, and communication networks, which can severely hamper rescue efforts and bring about widespread panic and chaos. 

Preparedness

Given these risks, experts constantly urge the Filipino public to prioritize earthquake preparedness. Lagmay stressed the importance of public education and, specially, awareness of basic safety measures. 

“We must all play a role in ensuring our safety and resilience,” he said. “This includes understanding the risks, preparing for the worst, and taking action to mitigate the potential impact of an earthquake.”

When asked about the Philippines’ readiness to handle the potential emergency, Lagmay said he could not surmise the situation: “We have not yet experienced such a major earthquake. That’s why I can’t tell if we are ready or not.” 

He elaborated on the areas of concern: “We need stricter enforcement of earthquake-resistant building codes and more rigorous inspections to ensure public safety.” 

Beyond infrastructure, Lagmay emphasized the importance of public awareness and training. “We need to make sure everyone understands earthquake safety protocols, practices regular drills, and knows evacuation routes and safe zones,” he said.

The challenges involve “comprehensive evacuation plans, efficient communication systems, and robust rescue and relief operations,” he said. “We also need to ensure that our first responders are well-trained and equipped to handle the immense challenges of a major earthquake.” 

Key steps

Lagmay outlined the key steps that individuals and communities can take by way of preparations:

• Educate yourself. Familiarize yourself with safety guidelines and procedures. Learn about the risks posed by the West Valley Fault.

• Develop a family plan. Discuss potential hazards and establish a plan for evacuation and communication.

• Secure your home. Identify potential hazards, such as heavy objects that could fall during an earthquake. Secure these items to prevent injuries.

• Prepare an emergency kit. The kit should contain essential supplies like drinking water, nonperishable food, first-aid supplies, flashlight, and important documents.

• Practice the earthquake drill. Regularly practice the drill with your family and community to familiarize yourself with procedures and ensure efficient evacuation.

“By addressing these critical areas,” Lagmay said, “we can take significant strides toward safeguarding our people and protecting our future.”

He sought a proactive approach: “We need to act now to mitigate the potential devastation of the Big One.” 

John Reniel Martus, a senior broadcast journalism student at Bicol University in Legazpi City, is an intern at CoverStory.ph.

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