24/04/2024
OCD: Thousands can die due to big earthquakes; Duck, Cover, and Hold not enough
(April 23, 2024)
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is reminding the public that big earthquakes could claim thousands of lives if the country’s preparedness remains inadequate.
According to Civil Defense Administrator, Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, while big earthquakes could kill thousands of people, the government, various sectors, and the entire nation can do something to prevent these high-magnitude earthquakes from being deadly through comprehensive, well-planned, and strict implementation of preparedness measures.
“The preparations for earthquakes, the strong and potentially deadly tremors, must go beyond the usual “Duck, Cover and Hold” drills. Indeed, engineering solutions, consistent adherence to the provisions of the National Building Code, and the strict prohibition on construction in areas that are vulnerable to landslides are crucial if we are to prevent the loss of thousands of lives when serious ground-shaking incidents occur in our major cities.” Usec. Nepomuceno said.
“We have identified engineering solutions, among others, as the top defense against killer quakes. Meaning, that the buildings and houses that will be built must conform to the safety standards of our relevant laws and ordinances which compel designs and construction materials to withstand an 8.3 magnitude challenge. Everyone must demand from their architects and engineers to design and build earthquake-proof structures. Seismic isolators and rollers are available.” he added.
The Philippines, as a seismically active country due to its geographical location, experienced 100 destructive earthquakes in the past 400 years. It is threatened by “many big ones” and many worst-case earthquake scenarios that can happen due to numerous earthquake generators, as explained by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).
Meanwhile, on April 3, 2024, a Magnitude 7.4 earthquake jolted Taiwan, the strongest earthquake since the Magnitude 7.6 earthquake in 1999 which killed 2,400 and injured 10,000 individuals.
The OCD Chief conveyed his sympathy to Taiwan and reiterated the importance of reinforcing preparedness in the Philippines, citing how Taiwan prevented a high death toll from the recent earthquake through its improved preparedness, particularly on interventions for earthquake-resistant buildings.
“The essential lesson that we can learn from Japan and Taiwan, is their resilience culture. When it comes to their safety from natural calamities, they take everything seriously. They leave no room for mistakes. Rules are automatically followed. Inspections are periodically accomplished.” Usec. Nepomuceno said.
OCD: Thousands can die due to big earthquakes; Duck, Cover, and Hold not enough
(April 23, 2024)
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is reminding the public that big earthquakes could claim thousands of lives if the country’s preparedness remains inadequate.
According to Civil Defense Administrator, Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, while big earthquakes could kill thousands of people, the government, various sectors, and the entire nation can do something to prevent these high-magnitude earthquakes from being deadly through comprehensive, well-planned, and strict implementation of preparedness measures.
“The preparations for earthquakes, the strong and potentially deadly tremors, must go beyond the usual “Duck, Cover and Hold” drills. Indeed, engineering solutions, consistent adherence to the provisions of the National Building Code, and the strict prohibition on construction in areas that are vulnerable to landslides are crucial if we are to prevent the loss of thousands of lives when serious ground-shaking incidents occur in our major cities.” Usec. Nepomuceno said.
“We have identified engineering solutions, among others, as the top defense against killer quakes. Meaning, that the buildings and houses that will be built must conform to the safety standards of our relevant laws and ordinances which compel designs and construction materials to withstand an 8.3 magnitude challenge. Everyone must demand from their architects and engineers to design and build earthquake-proof structures. Seismic isolators and rollers are available.” he added.
The Philippines, as a seismically active country due to its geographical location, experienced 100 destructive earthquakes in the past 400 years. It is threatened by “many big ones” and many worst-case earthquake scenarios that can happen due to numerous earthquake generators, as explained by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).
Meanwhile, on April 3, 2024, a Magnitude 7.4 earthquake jolted Taiwan, the strongest earthquake since the Magnitude 7.6 earthquake in 1999 which killed 2,400 and injured 10,000 individuals.
The OCD Chief conveyed his sympathy to Taiwan and reiterated the importance of reinforcing preparedness in the Philippines, citing how Taiwan prevented a high death toll from the recent earthquake through its improved preparedness, particularly on interventions for earthquake-resistant buildings.
“The essential lesson that we can learn from Japan and Taiwan, is their resilience culture. When it comes to their safety from natural calamities, they take everything seriously. They leave no room for mistakes. Rules are automatically followed. Inspections are periodically accomplished.” Usec. Nepomuceno said. #
