Stop spreading ‘Big One’ predictions, PHIVOLCS appeals to netizens

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) asked netizens to avoid sharing messages saying the "Big One" will hit Metro Manila and neighboring areas within the week.

PHIVOLCS issued a clarification on Friday after rumors spread on social media that a magnitude 7.2 earthquake will occur between February 24 and March 8.

"We cannot predict when or where an earthquake will happen. There is no reliable technology in the world that can confidently predict the date, time, and location of large earthquakes," PHIVOLCS stated.

"Please avoid sharing these messages because your friends and relatives will think that you believe these messages are true and they will take your word for it."

31K to 34K could die in M. Manila

Rumors spread after the PHIVOLCS reminded residents of Metro Manila and nearby areas to prepare, after earthquakes hit Surigao City and Davao City in the past two weeks.

PHIVOLCS chief Renato Solidum on Saturday estimated that 31,000 to 34,000 people could die in Metro Manila alone due to substandard, non-engineered infrastructure should the "Big One" hit.

"I-compare natin sa Surigao, 10 versus 21,000. Bakit kaya ganun? Kasi, una, madaming non-engineered buildings dito sa Metro Manila, yung gawa-gawa lang talaga," Solidum said. 

He said the building code should be followed in every construction and that the minimum requirements for earthquake-proof houses and buildings should be followed in every construction.

"Yung ating Building Code (Republic Act No. 6541) ay maganda. Kayang-kaya na nating mga bahay dapat ang Intensity 8, Intensity 9 earthquake kung nasundan ang Building Code," said Solidum.

"Pero kung sa disenyo at standard o construction ay hindi maganda o yung mga materyales natin ay 'di maayos, diyan nakikita during the earthquake kung [sinunod]. Parang judgement day," he added.

Solidum also encouraged local governments and schools to take earthquake drills seriously and take advantage of free online resources, including those on video-sharing sites like Youtube to press the importance of these exercises.

"Ang issue sa earthquake drill, hindi lang dapat drill lang kasi. Dapat may social preparation na ginagawa na tinuturo sa mga bata ano talaga ang sitwasyon, at ang video ay ang isang malakas na pamamaraan upang ipakita nila kung ano talaga ang mangyayari sa malakas na lindol," Solidum said.

"[Dapat] may lecture, ipinapaliwanag natin kung ano po 'yan. At kahit hindi po PowerPoint, may mga materyales na pwedeng i-share. Kaya sila hindi seryoso dahil hindi nila alam kung anong pwedeng mangyari kapag lumindol," he said.

The "Big One" refers to the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that may hit Metro Manila and neighboring areas if the 100 kilometer-long West Valley Fault finally moves. — Rie Takumi/MDM, GMA News