This past week, different parts of the country were hit with multiple earthquakes of varying magnitudes. Of particular relevance to Metro Manila was the 6.1 magnitude earthquake which hit last Monday, April 22. While its epicenter was detected in the Pampanga area, Metro Manila felt the tremors nonetheless, causing a suspension of mass transit operations and suspension of work and classes for the night until the next day for many establishments as they assessed of the damage, if any, the earthquake caused. Thankfully there were none of significance. While Metro Manila is no stranger to earthquakes, this recent earthquake is one of those that struck a greater sense of fear…
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Postscripts From The Earthquake Drill
Last July 30, the entire Metro Manila participated in a simultaneous activity called the Metro Manila Shake Drill, an earthquake drill organized by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in coordination with various risk reduction and rescue teams. The aim of this activity was to promote awareness on the possibility of a deadly earthquake with the presence of the West Valley Fault in the eastern part of the metropolis as well to educate the people on what to do if and when this earthquake strikes. Many establishments, groups, as well as the general public, participated in this activity as they practiced the techniques on what to do when an earthquake…
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The Metropolis and Natural Disasters
A few days ago, a story was published by the Philippine Star about a study by a Swiss insurance firm which stated that Manila was the 2nd most at-risk metropolis from natural disasters. With such a story, one has to get more information, preferably straight from the source. Fortunately, Swiss Re, the firm that commissioned or has done the study, has a copy of this study online, which you can check here. One thing to note though is that this study has been published way back in September 2013. So how it managed to fly under the radar of local journalists until a few days ago is a puzzle to…