Reducing risk, severity of damage when 'The Big One' strikes

The recent series of devastating earthquakes in Myanmar, Thailand, and Tonga should serve as harsh reminders of the vulnerability of seismic hotspots like the Philippines.

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These events highlight the unpredictability and catastrophic consequences of earthquakes, especially in countries like ours, which sit along the Pacific Ring of Fire.

With the devastating effects of the tremors, we must consider the inevitable: the West Valley Fault which is primed for another major earthquake or the so-called "The Big One." With its potential to wreak havoc on Metro Manila and surrounding provinces, the question remains: Are we truly ready?

A study of the West Valley Fault conducted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in 2004 showed that in a worst case scenario, a 7.2-magnitude quake in Metro Manila would cause severe damage to infrastructure and result in a death toll of over 30,000 to 50,000 and over 160,000 serious injuries.