OCD Urges Earthquake Preparedness Amid Rising Seismic Activity in Ilocos Region

In a proactive move to address the growing concerns surrounding earthquake preparedness in the aftermath of a series of tremors in Ilocos Sur, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) convened with officials from regional offices in Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, and Central Luzon. The meeting, held on Sunday, was spearheaded by OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, who emphasized the urgency of the situation amid warnings of a potentially larger quake. Since December 17, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has recorded numerous earthquakes in the region, with magnitudes ranging from 1.5 to 5.0. Nepomuceno highlighted that this seismic activity might be indicative of a major earthquake near the Ilocos region, particularly due to the movement of the Manila Trench. The concern is that this could lead to an earthquake of staggering magnitude, potentially as high as 8.2 or 8.3, which carries the risk of triggering a tsunami. “This means that the Manila Trench is moving,” Nepomuceno stated in an interview with dzBB. “We often hear about 'The Big One' in Metro Manila, with a forecasted strength of 7.2. However, if the Manila Trench shifts, the consequences could be even more dire.” As the holiday season approaches, Nepomuceno reiterated the importance of preparedness, underscoring that addressing the risks associated with a larger quake is a priority. The OCD's meeting focused not only on the technical aspects of earthquake readiness but also on the critical issue of communication. The agency has issued directives to ramp up public awareness and ensure that citizens have access to timely information regarding earthquakes and tsunami warnings. “We have directed the use of all available resources, including media, digital communication, and radio,” Nepomuceno explained, stressing that effective information dissemination is vital in ensuring public safety. Despite Phivolcs reporting that the series of earthquakes had weakened and ceased, Nepomuceno advised that this should not lead to complacency. “This is an indication that a bigger earthquake may occur, so it's better to be on the safe side of preparations,” he noted. He further emphasized the need for the public to understand the response protocol when a final warning is issued. “When that warning is given, citizens must know to evacuate immediately, seeking higher ground safely and efficiently,” he said. As the disaster preparedness initiatives are ramped up, the OCD is working collaboratively with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and uniformed services to ensure a coordinated response. The focus on readiness underscores the importance of collective vigilance and the need for communities to be informed and prepared for any eventuality. With the threat of seismic activity looming, the engagement of local communities in these preparedness efforts is crucial. The OCD's initiatives aim to foster a well-informed citizenry that is ready to respond effectively to the challenges posed by potential earthquakes and tsunamis in the region.