THE government on Friday started marking structures and areas where the West Valley Fault passes as part of its preparedness plan in the event a powerful earthquake hits Metro Manila.
The event, dubbed as “Walk the Fault”, started in the villages of Pinagsama, North Signal, Central Signal and Maharlika in Taguig City.
“This activity is not intended to cause unnecessary alarm, but to make the public more conscious and start preparations from within the homes and neighborhoods,” said Francis Tolentino, chairman of the Metro Manila Development Authority.
The MMDA spearheaded the activity in close coordination with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology and the city government of Taguig to increase awareness among residents on how to survive a major earthquake.
Phivolcs identified Taguig as one of the cities in Metro Manila to be severely affected by a massive quake if the Valley Fault System (VFS) moves.
The agency warned the public of a massive quake if the Valley Fault System moves. The system is comprised of the 10-kilometer East Valley Fault in Rizal, and the 100-kilometer West Valley Fault, which passes through six Metro Manila cities and parts of the Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal provinces.
According to the VFS, areas in Taguig that are situated over the West Valley Fault include Bagumbayan, Bagong Tanyag, Upper Bicutan, Central Bicutan, Lower Bicutan, Maharlika Village, Pinagsama, North Signal Village, Central Signal Village, South Signal Village, Ususan and South Daang Hari.
Aside from Taguig, the West Valley fault also passes through Quezon City, Marikina, Pasig, Makati and Muntinlupa.
Tolentino said Taguig is just the start of the activity which will cover the 84 other barangays which are directly in the fault line’s path. He added thermoplastic materials will be used as markings which do not easily fade and reflect at night.
For her part, Taguig City Mayor Laarni Cayetano said she ordered local officials to prepare a revised contingency plan following reports that 12 areas in the city were identified as vulnerable sites.
She said they have started their preparation for disasters as early as 2010 and have conducted a survey of those who would be affected.
Integrated Survey System project head Eileen Gamo said a total of 1,184 structures will be affected by the West Valley Fault, including households, institutions and commercial establishments.
“We have also identified the resources outside the 10-meters centerline (zone) These are hospitals, private and government, open courts, open spaces, water refilling stations, grocery stores, rice retailers, pharmacies, mortuaries and gas stations. We have started organizing,” she said.
Phivolcs chief Renato Solidum reminded the people of the danger which the actual shaking may bring even structures are outside of the faultline.