The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday,
December 26, urged local government units (LGUs) in Regions I, II, III, IV-A and IV-B to maintain vigilance and implement critical preparation for potential earthquakes and tsunamis.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said that earthquakes in the Manila Trench have already decreased with one recorded activity each for December 24 and 25, 2024.
In an advisory, the DILG encouraged all concerned local chief executives (LCEs) to prepare for possible intensification of the earthquake sequence.
LGUs are enjoined to convene their local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils, conduct Pre-Disaster Risk Assessments, and strictly implement minimum early and critical preparedness measures based on Operation L!STO manuals.
They are also expected to identify and establish evacuation routes, directional signs, and safe zones for at-risk communities; organize and train response teams; preposition food, temporary shelters, and debris-clearing equipment; and ensure the availability of lifeline utilities.
The LGUs must also closely coordinate with their regional and provincial DRRMCs, Phivolcs, and other relevant agencies for technical support, risk assessments, and public awareness campaigns.
The DILG also alerted the public, especially those living in coastal communities, to monitor natural signs of an approaching local tsunami, and immediately move to high grounds or away from the shoreline if any signs of tsunami are observed.
The Phivolcs meanwhile reported a total of 55 earthquakes in Ilocos Sur, traced to the Manila Trench, leading to concerns for possible high-magnitude earthquakes.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “DILG calls for vigilance despite decline of quakes at Manila Trench.”
