Las Pinas adopts measures to cushion earthquake impact

Las Pinas has launched (Tuesday) its earthquake resiliency tests in strategic areas of the city as part of priority action measures to cushion the impact in the event of calamity or disaster. Conducted in collaboration with Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivols) the City Engineering Office aims to determine the capability and resiliency of certain areas with medium to high rise structures.

Mayor Vergel Aguilar pointed out that the ground tremor analysis will make part of the city’s disaster preparedness plan to mitigate possible damage and casualties in case of earthquake or storm surge, particularly in some low-lying and coastal barangays.

“We have enjoined the communities and mobilized our barangays in putting into action our measures to make our city resilient to disaster so that no life or property would be compromised,” Aguilar said. While there is no extremely high rise building in the city, considering its proximity to NAIA runway, a comprehensive data is necessary to update Las Pinas’ disaster resiliency template.

This, he added, is compounded by Phivolcs’ warning of possible massive destructions in case a 7.2 magnitude earthquake occur that could destroy roads and collapse structures. The city’s disaster risk reduction management team headed by the mayor has laid down the groundwork for calamity mitigation and emergency response in 20 barangays in coordination with over 250 private subdivisions and villages.

Meanwhile, City engineer Rose Bantog reported that dredging and diselting works have been completed last May to clear drainage, waterways and creeks of solid waste and other obstructions being part of preparations with the onset of the rainy season.

Strict implementation of city ordinance on ban of plastic carry-bag use is also in place in line with the city’s zero-plastic and environment protection and preservation program. (END)