Up to now, scientists have yet to develop an effective method of predicting earthquakes.
Still, we could adapt measures to mitigate the loss to life and property that earthquakes can cause, according to Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr.
During the ceremonial kick-off of the nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill in Tacloban City, Leyte last November 9, Solidum said earthquakes are considered the “deadliest” of all natural hazards, accounting for 58 percent of all deaths from 2000 to 2019 according to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).
“By now, Filipinos must already know and appreciate what an earthquake disaster means. It is highly likely that we know someone, if not ourselves who experienced impacts of devastating earthquakes in the Philippines in the last two decades,” the DOST secretary added.
The loss of lives during earthquakes is not due to the tremor itself but due to the collapse of houses, buildings and other infrastructure, he said.
Solidum said that tools of science should be known and understood “to assist in making earthquake resilient communities to prevent destruction and death.”
DOST has developed tools or apps that are readily usable from PCs, laptops and mobile devices.
These include the FaultFinder, which tells how far away is the house, workplace or school from earthquake source; the Hazard Hunter, which tells what are the natural hazards that can affect the neighborhood; GeoanalyticsPH, which shows in maps and figures the hazards assessment of the neighborhood; and PlanSmart, which gives national and local planners the necessary information needed for their development planning needs.
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