Magnitude 7.2 in Metro Manila, Are We Ready?

It was earlier reported that the Valley Fault System (formerly West Valley Fault) is “ripe for movement”. Previous researches also warned that a magnitude 7.2 earthquake in Metro Manila would likely to happen.

A report from gmanews.tv…

The Metro Manila Impact Reduction Study conducted in 2004 by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) found that the capital is vulnerable to a magnitude-7.2 earthquake that may be generated by the West Valley Fault.

The study assessed Metro Manila’s preparedness and estimated that there could be 35,000 fatalities, 500 simultaneous fires in up to 98,000 buildings, and 170,000 structures may collapse in the event of strong temblors.

“If a structure is directly on top of an active fault line, then that structure will be completely destroyed," says Dr. Alfredo Mahar Lagmay of the National Institute of Geological Sciences (NIGS) at the University of the Philippines.

Today, an earthquake drill was conducted inside Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. And in media interviews, Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum reiterates the possible occurrence of the strongest earthquake in Metro Manila. Those will be gravely affected are the residents along the West Valley Fault.

But what are the places surrounding that fault? See the whole study HERE.

Everyone must be prepared. May you are living along the fault line or not, vigilance and always staying alert is a must.

Now is the best time to update your readiness and your family.