Phivolcs director Renato Solidum, in a forum with the Capampangans in Media, Inc. here, said he has been espousing such household readiness amid threat of a strong earthquake from the West Valley Fault that could cause devastation in Metro Manila.
“If they can afford it, families should as much as possible stock up on food, especially water, good for at least three days,” he said, but noted this would be difficult for the poorest.
Solidum said stocking up on food and water is more needed in urban areas such as Metro Manila, as access to food and water in rural areas would not be as difficult.
This, even as he expressed support for moves designating Clark Freeport as disaster management center in case Metro Manila is seriously affected by a strong earthquake.
Solidum noted that Clark would not be significantly affected by the movement of the West Valley Fault and that its airport would be helpful in disaster management operations.
He said Metro Manila would be isolated by a possible 7.2 magnitude quake from the fault, as roads, bridges and buildings would collapse in various parts of the metropolis.
The fault system that runs north to south along the west and east edges of the Marikina Valley poses the greatest threat to Metro Manila, he said.
Solidum noted that Metro Manila could be separated into four isolated zones based on geography. Collapsed buildings in Makati and Mandaluyong cities as well as the Pasig River may separate northern and southern parts of the metropolis, while broken road networks will isolate the west and east of the capital.
He also stressed the need for a “secondary highway” linking Metro Manila to the north, even as he noted that the ground in Candaba, Pampanga, is “soft.” The viaduct of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) is located in Candaba.
He also said that a secondary road would also be needed south of Metro Manila towards Batangas.
