Is the Philippines due for an earthquake?; Muntinlupa is part of the Marikina Fault Line

In a 2009 article dug up by Alabang Bulletin, we found out that the United Nations had warned the Philippines about an impending earthquake that could hit Metro Manila anytime.

According to UN, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake is bound to strike anytime soon (they are not sure exactly when–the warning was in 2009 and still nothing).

“The Earthquakes and Megacities Initiative (EMI) report published in 2004 predicts that an earthquake with a high magnitude will surely occur because of the Philippine Fault Zone (also called the Marikina Valley Fault System), but experts can’t predict when this disaster may happen,” wrote blogphilippines.com.

The scary report said that some 35,000 Filipinos will die because of the earthquake and around 145,000 will be injured. Some 175,000 buildings will be damaged, said the report.

This article is not meant to scare anybody but just to serve as a warning. You know how Filipinos are–we don’t take action until something bad happens.

Since we ARE part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, everyone should be wary.

Research showed that the Marikina Fault Line also passes Muntinlupa (Montalban-San Mateo-Marikina-Pasig-Taguig-Muntinlupa-San Pedro-Binan-Carmona-Santa Rosa-Calamba-Tagaytay-Oriental Mindoro).

Should we be scared? Partly, yes. But what we should be is READY.

Here are some tips on how to survive during and after an earthquake and also how to be ready for one:

Before:

• Learn how to survive during the ground motion. This is described in the “During the Earthquake” section below. The earthquake safety tips there will prepare you for the fast action needed – most earthquakes are over in seconds so knowing what to do instinctively is very important.

• Teach all members of your family about earthquake safety. This includes: 1) the actions you should take when an earthquake occurs, 2) the safe places in a room such as under a strong desk, along interior walls, and 3) places to avoid such as near windows, large mirrors, hanging objects, heavy furniture and fireplaces.

• Stock up on emergency supplies. These include: battery operated radio (and extra batteries), flashlights (and extra batteries), first aid kit, bottled water, two weeks food and medical supplies, blankets, cooking fuel, tools needed to turn off your gas, water and electric utilities.

• Arrange your home for safety: Store heavy objects on lower shelves and store breakable objects in cabnents with latched doors. Don’t hang heavy mirrors or pictures above where people frequently sit or sleep.

• Anchor heavy appliances and furniture such as water heaters, refrigerators and bookcases.

• Store flamable liquids away from potential ignition sources such as water heaters, stoves and furnaces.

• Get Educated. Learn what to do during an earthquake (see below). Then you will be ready for the fast action needed. Make sure that all members of your family have this important education.

• Learn where the main turn-offs are for your water, gas and electricity. Know how to turn them off and the location of any needed tools.

During the Earthquake:

• If you are indoors, stay there. Quickly move to a safe location in the room such as under a strong desk, a strong table, or along an interior wall. The goal is to protect yourself from falling objects and be located near the structural strong points of the room. Avoid taking cover near windows, large mirrors, hanging objects, heavy furniture, heavy appliances or fireplaces.

• If you are cooking, turn off the stove and take cover.

• If you are outdoors, move to an open area where falling objects are unlikely to strike you. Move away from buildings, powerlines and trees.

• If you are driving, slow down smoothly and stop on the side of the road. Avoid stopping on or under bridges and overpasses, or under power lines, trees and large signs. Stay in your car.