In the heart of the Philippines, nestled along the Pacific Ring of Fire, lies Eastern Visayas, a region that has, many a times, witnessed the devastating power of Mother Nature.
With the recent series of shakes in the region, the public is alarmed that these may be omens and warnings for the upcoming “Big One”. This led many sectors to evaluate the region's current earthquake disaster preparedness.
This brings to evaluate and assess the structure of certain government buildings and public schools speculated to be so obviously substandard. One look and it doesn’t need an expert to discern and determine the construction quality.
Definitely, the region needs the implementation of stricter building codes. Older buildings and infrastructures, particularly in Tacloban City, also pose a threat necessitating a comprehensive assessment and retrofitting to minimize potential damage and casualties.
In preparation, public awareness campaigns should also be conducted to educate the residents on how to react promptly upon receiving earthquake alerts to empowering them to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones.
To further strengthen Eastern Visayas' earthquake preparedness, it is crucial to explore new avenues and partnerships. By bringing together the government, non-government organizations and the private sector, resources can be shared and knowledge exchanged.
While emergency response capabilities have significantly improved with local government units, the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Red Cross actively participating in disaster preparedness drills. Continuous enhancement of their capabilities and resources is essential to guarantee a swift and efficient response during emergencies.
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