What will happen if a 7.2 magnitude Earthquake hits Metro Manila?
After the devastating earthquake in Nepal that cost thousands of lives andb affecting millions of families is Metro Manila ready for a 7.2 magnitude earthquake?
On the 25th of April 2015 Nepal was hit a 7.8 magnitude earthquake that killed more than 8,500 people and more than 21,000 were injured. In some districts almost 90% of their homes were destroyed. As Nepal is considered to be a small country, over a quarter of the whole population were affected.
The 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Nepal was the same magnitude as the Baguio earthquake of 1990 that killed more than 1,600 Filipinos.
ur country has already experienced a lot of earthquakes that can be traced even during the Spanish times. Aside from the above-mentioned, the Filipino people have suffered from floods, typhoons, volcanic eruptions, etc., but earthquakes are considered to be one of the greatest threat to life and the economy.
The question still remains unanswered, “Is Metro Manila ready for this earthquake?”Our government especially the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is doing everything in preparation for a 7.2 magnitude earthquake that might hit Manila. A number of schools, houses and other business establishment are above the West Valley Fault and each of these locations are monitored and advised by the government on what to do. June is approaching and classes are about to start so the government is finding ways on how to relocate schools, but of course it will cost a lot of money. But what is money compared to the thousands of lives that can be saved through this? Our government is going from school to school with an aim to spread awareness and safety precautions to the officials for them to teach the students on what to do if an earthquake will occur.
What will happen if a 7.2 magnitude earthquake will hit Metro Manila? The PHILVOCS Director Dr. Renato Solidum, Jr. says that if a strong earthquake similar to the Nepal earthquake will hit Metro Manila, an estimate of 34,000 deaths and over a million will be injured. If the quake will happen in night time the death can increase to 36,000. Areas that are primarily wood buildings will start earthquake-related fires and will create an increase of 18,000 casualties.
Are we ready? We must take this seriously and do everything to prepare if ever this disaster will shake our lives. No one can tell when this earthquake will hit Metro Manila. All that we can do is to follow all precautionary measures ,be prepared, and PRAY.
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