THE RECENT 6.6 magnitude earthquake that jolted Masbate and parts of the Visayas reminds us that the structural integrity of public infrastructure is vital in preventing an earthquake from turning into a major disaster.
Earthquakes turn into major disasters due to unsafe and poorly built structures, inappropriate site location of infrastructure projects, inadequate design and materials specification, and shortcuts in construction. The government must ensure that all public structures, especially bridges, school buildings and hospitals, are earthquake-proof through the conduct of a nationwide structural evaluation and by retrofitting these structures to allow them to withstand destructive natural occurrences such as earthquakes. The additional expense required for making structures safe from earthquakes is essentially a good investment especially if it will save thousands of precious lives.
Ah yes, preparedness against earthquakes in all parts of the country is important as a temblor of the same magnitude can happen any time. We know that the Philippines is among the countries most vulnerable to earthquakes. Last year alone, we were hit by series of earthquakes: a magnitude 6.1 in Castillejos, Zambales in April with a total of 18 deaths; a magnitude 6.5 that occurred in Eastern Samar on the same month; magnitudes 5.4 and 5.9 earthquakes that occurred in July in Itbayat, Batanes which resulted in a total of 9 deaths with 1,025 families affected, and the magnitude 6.6 in Mindanao in October.
We cannot prevent an earthquake from happening, but with the proper preparedness and preventive measures, we can minimize possible casualties and damages.
Other priority steps in earthquake preparedness include the regular conduct of safety drills; establishment of an early warning system for earthquake and tsunami; determining open spaces for safe refuge; and ensuring that back-up systems of vital utilities are in place for speedy recovery and rehabilitation efforts, and a ready evacuation plan in every barangay in the country.
We cannot predict when an earthquake will occur. Therefore, we must always remain vigilant for more aftershocks and other effects of the temblor. As we call for the national government to take the lead in promoting the structural soundness and resilience of buildings and structures, we also urge local government units to take the initiative in strengthening earthquake preparedness measures to ensure that our local communities will not be caught off guard when natural hazards strike.
