WE CANNOT predict when an earthquake will occur, therefore, we must always be prepared. The best protection against earthquakes is sound engineering practice.
In light of the recent strong earthquakes in Luzon and Visayas, we reiterate the call for the immediate evaluation of the structural integrity of critical structures in the country. As of this writing, the death toll in the Luzon quake alone already climbed to 16, with several more people injured, and structures – buildings, markets, houses, bridges, etc. – collapsed or damaged.
It is a must that we immediately revisit our construction standards, codes and practices. We must examine them now and correct any deficiencies. The evaluation and retrofitting of infrastructure in the country, especially hospitals, schools and bridges, must be done regularly to ensure that they can withstand strong earthquakes.
Yes, we must ensure the safety of our schools and hospitals. We were fortunate enough that the earthquake happened while schools are on summer break, otherwise, many children would have been in their schools.
A guidebook on the promotion of disaster mitigation, which was published by the World Health Organization and the Pan American Health Organization, revealed that the cost of disaster-proofing a hospital or health facility by incorporating comprehensive disaster protection from earthquake and extreme climatic events into designs from the beginning will only add four percent to the cost of construction. This cost is nothing compared to the risk of destruction and death of patients and staff during a disaster, and the equally high health, economic and development impacts in the aftermath.
School and hospital authorities must act now. They must consult structural engineers and assess the vulnerability of school and hospital structures to strong earthquakes, and institute immediate measures to strengthen parts found weak and likely to collapse.
We should likewise ensure that our homes and offices, shopping malls and public buildings, and heritage sites are able to withstand strong earthquakes. We must ensure proper and safe construction. This lesson we must accept: Prevention is cost-effective.
