The Negros Trench can possibly generate a magnitude 8.2 earthquake, according to the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) during its "Handa Pilipinas" Expo - Visayas leg in Bacolod City.

DOST-PHIVOLCS said that Negros Island should prepare for the possibility of a magnitude 8.2 earthquake, or the Big One, because of the Negros Trench.

"If there's a magnitude 8.2 event along the Negros Trench, if it's shallow pwede magkaroon ng intensity that it could even go as high as intensity 8. The whole of Negros Island,” Dr. Teresito Bacolcol, director of DOST-PHIVOLCS, said during the expo on October 28, 2025. 

He added that should a powerful earthquake occur, a tsunami is possible.

“It could generate tsunami. Not only Negros but also Panay, even Zamboanga and even Palawan. Dapat alam natin ang signs of local tsunami,” Bacolcol added.

Among the signs of a tsunami is the sudden drop of seawater level. Residents are advised to immediately seek safer, elevated grounds.

As part of the disaster resiliency and preparedness program, a few Local Government Units in the province have started to prepare Go Bags with emergency kits.

“Hina-highlight namin na preparedness is the key talaga,” said Arnica Jean Panzo, operations and warning staff of Bago City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

However, at least nine members of a family dwelling in a hut in Barangay 13, Bacolod City do not even have a single flashlight.

Daisy Abelar, a member of the family, said she admits to the family's lack of emergency preparedness.

“Wala kaming mga ganyan. Hindi kami handa kung ganyan,” Abelar said.

Rica Mortes, a mother to seven children, said it is important to learn safety tips that can be of help in emergency situation.

“I-safety ang mga bata. Huwag mag-panic at lumayo sa mga bagay na maka-ano sa mga bata,” Mortes said.

When they learned of the possibility of a strong earthquake in Negros Island, they vowed to be more vigilant.