WE WILL not tire of demanding from concerned government agencies the establishment of necessary mechanisms to secure our communities from the devastating effects of disasters such as earthquakes. The earthquake disaster in Turkey and Syria is enough impetus.
In case some Ilonggos need reminding, Panay Island has an active West Panay Fault Line, and it is no stranger to strong tremors. The 1948 Lady Caycay earthquake on Jan. 25, 1948 had an estimated magnitude of 7.8 and a maximum Mercalli intensity of X (Extreme). The epicenter was between the municipalities of Anini-y, Antique and Dao (present-day Tobias Fornier in Antique). It was the second biggest quake on record in the country as it caused widespread damage in Panay and nearby islands.
This makes preparedness for earthquakes even more important.
An important goal is disaster prevention, which ensures zero or low casualty and less damage to properties. As part of our disaster preparedness and prevention strategies, we should regularly evaluate and retrofit buildings and critical structures, set up early warning systems and identify safe refuge for our citizens.
Certainly, there is a need to conduct monthly safety drills in schools and hospitals, which are critical infrastructures since these are shelters for the vulnerable — children, the sick and elderly. We want to institutionalize monthly safety drills in all educational and healthcare facilities. But this should not be limited to schools and hospitals. Government institutions, private companies, local government units and even households should conduct regular emergency drills because these activities will help instill disaster preparedness in our citizens.
We will continue to urge communities to take the initiative in making sure that they are well prepared and will not be caught off guard when natural hazards strike. Being prepared means that when a natural hazard such as an earthquake strikes, every citizen would know what to do and where to go, and that government agencies, both national and local, are ready to respond.
