Possible 34k deaths, 1.3M damaged structures  from ‘Big One’ can be reduced

More than a million residential structures will be damaged when the West Valley fault moves and sets off a 6.5 magnitude earthquake in Metro Manila.

But a Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) expert on Friday said this number could still be reduced.

During a Disaster Preparedness Summit at SM Aura in Taguig, Ramon Santiago, a DRRM adviser at the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), urged Filipinos to do their part by ensuring they are prepared for the "Big One."

He said the extent of the damage would be huge if the public would not take preventive and precautionary measures.

"Yung base yun as is, pag wala tayong gagawin. Yung nagpakita ng estimated damages, while these are models, they are scientifically derived. Close to what we will see," he said.

Based on National Statistics Office data from 2000, an estimated 1,325,896 residential structures will be damaged when the "Big One" hits.

Meanwhile, 1,809 public facilities are estimated to be affected. More than 34,000 people could die, while  more than 100,000 may be injured.

The estimates were based on the assumption that the "Big One" will at least be magnitude a 6.5 shaker.

Santiago urged Filipinos to have their houses inspected or rehabilitated to withstand earthquakes.

"Hindi magbabago yung mapa na yun unless 'yung kababayan natin would really realize that they really need to change their landscape. Fix their house, have it checked, etcetera," he added.

He clarified that the government has no obligation to check every private home and repair those that need repairing if they sustain damage from calamities, so it would be up to individuals to fortify their own residences.

"Hindi polisiya ng gobyerno na papalitan yung bahay mo. You really have to do it yourself," he said. — MDM/KVD, GMA News