Search

Key Takeaways from the 2nd Earthquake Summit | Preparations for the Big One

Andi Dela Torre Griffiths
22 hours ago
3 min read

Updated: 11 hours ago

Last April 8, the Office of Civil Defense held the 2nd Earthquake Summit at Madison 101 Hotel in Quezon City. Present during the event were industry experts, government officials, the media, and those from the private sector. Here are some key takeaways from the summit that I hope raise some awareness and become useful in your emergency planning.

What is the “Big One”?

In the local context, the Big One refers to the movement of the West Valley fault, a valley fault system that runs through several provinces and cities in Metro Manila. If this moves, it can generate a magnitude 7.2 earthquake.

When is it Going to Happen?

The dreaded Big One can happen anytime. No one can predict the exact dates and locations of earthquakes, but scientists can make forecasts based on studying previous seismic activities and fault lines, among others. These forecasts serve as their reference in identifying danger zones, improving warning systems, and understanding earthquake patterns.

According to experts from PHIVOLCS, the West Valley Fault moves roughly every 200-400 years, and the last time it did was in 1658 (it's been 367 years). That means that the fault is already “ripe” for strong tremors.

Note: The West Valley Fault is just one of the many active faults in the Philippines, so there are still other "other big ones".

During the event, the officials emphasized the need to update building inventories and assess the structural integrity of buildings in Metro Manila, which has had more buildings since the impact reduction study last conducted in 2004. They also encouraged developers to do the same with their properties. According to OCD Administrator Ariel Nepomuceno, engineering solutions are at the forefront of the three lines of defense.

The two other lines of defense are public preparation and government response.

The Three Lines of Defense

Engineering Solutions

Assessment of public and private structures, retrofitting, and application of modern engineering solutions that can withstand high-intensity earthquakes.

Public Preparation

Our preparation efforts like creating a family communication plan, preparing go bags, knowing where to go in the event of an earthquake, making structural improvements at home if necessary, etc.

Government Response

Government response after the disaster (relocation, food distribution, rescue mission, etc). The OCD expressed that our country is “essentially prepared but still developing our level of capacity”.

2nd Earthquake Summit | Office of Civil Defense

A Team Effort

Since it takes a team effort to increase our readiness as a nation, during the press conference, the OCD highlighted the importance of active participation from the local governments and the private sector.

City governments must ensure that 5% of their Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) goes to the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF)- this is as per the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Act of 2010;
It is crucial to revive disaster markers on properties along or close to the fault systems;
Developers must be proactive in strengthening their structures or retrofitting if needed;
The public is encouraged to participate in earthquake drills, prepare emergency bags, and check their homes.

Preparing for Natural Disasters

While we cannot truly prepare a hundred percent for natural disasters, it helps to have a safety mindset to avoid panic in times of distress.

You can discuss emergency plans with your family, have your go bags ready, and identify safe open spaces where you can go after an earthquake. It never hurts to take precautions. Learn more about the basics of disaster preparedness in this article.

Other Information | Figures

Based on the last mapping, there are approximately 3,200 structures on the West Valley Fault- the residents in these areas have already been informed;
Around 13% of the residential buildings in Metro Manila are going to be affected by the megaquake;
If the Big One happens, around 100,000+ buildings are projected to collapse, and around 30,000+ lives can be taken;
There is a plan to tap 5th-year Civil Engineering students to assist in structural missions;
There are already Global Positioning Stations (GPS) installed in the West Valley (to monitor signals about the fault's behavior).