Urgent Call for Disaster Preparedness
League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) President and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora has called on mayors nationwide to enhance their disaster preparedness. This appeal comes after the recent earthquakes that shook Cebu and Davao, raising alarms about the region’s vulnerability.
Mayor Zamora emphasized the importance of readiness, especially in the National Capital Region (NCR), where concerns about the “Big One” earthquake scenario remain high. The Big One refers to a potential magnitude 7.2 earthquake that could cause widespread damage.
Renewed Concerns Over The Big One
Local leaders noted that the recent tremors serve as a stark reminder that the threat of a major earthquake is ever-present. Community members in the NCR have expressed growing anxiety about the possibility of a powerful quake striking the area.
Officials reported that strengthening disaster response protocols and infrastructure resilience is essential to minimize the impact of such an event. They stressed that proactive measures must be prioritized to ensure public safety.
Strengthening Local Disaster Plans
Mayors across the country are encouraged to review and update their local disaster risk reduction and management plans. This includes enhancing early warning systems, conducting regular drills, and improving evacuation procedures.
“Kailangan nating maging handa sa anumang oras,” a local official remarked, underscoring the need for constant vigilance and preparedness at the community level.
Community Engagement and Awareness
Experts highlighted that community awareness campaigns are vital to empower residents with knowledge on how to respond during earthquakes. These campaigns should involve schools, businesses, and households to build a culture of preparedness.
In response to the recent seismic activity, several cities have already begun organizing seminars and workshops to educate their constituents about earthquake safety measures.
Government Support and Coordination
Coordination between local government units and national agencies remains a priority. Officials reported that resource allocation for disaster risk reduction initiatives must be increased to enhance readiness.
Mayor Zamora reiterated that collaboration is key, stating, “We must work together to protect our communities from the devastating effects of earthquakes.”
As the country faces ongoing seismic threats, the call for stronger disaster preparedness resonates across all levels of government.
For more news and updates on disaster preparedness, visit Filipinokami.com.
