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MMDA revitalizes quake preparedness in metropolis

By Pat C. Santos

10/18/2009

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is setting its sight on matter of preparedness in case a disastrous earthquake hits the metropolis by starting to revitalize its disaster volunteer trainings and equipment building to prepare people and save as many lives during the worst events.

According to MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando, they have already trained 4,000 individuals for disaster quick response situations and targeting to train 10,000 more volunteers from the 17 local government units (LGUs) of Metro Manila.

Citing a joint study by the MMDA, Japan International Cooperation Agency and other government agencies, Fernando said a lack of preparation in the event of a strong quake could wreak havoc in Metro Manila.

The MMDA chief said the agency had trained personnel from the LGUs of the 17 cities and town that composed the National Capital Region, police and military personnel and even college students in disaster search and rescue operations as early as 2004.

“The study shows that in such scenario, 35,000 persons could die from 400 sporadic fires and collapsed buildings. Although there’s no definite date, the likelihood of such tragedy happening in our time is not far-fetched,” he said.

While preparations are already in place, Fernando maintained that strict implementation of laws and continued government funding will play a key role in minimizing casualties and property damage.

“More important than the preparation itself, we need to strictly impose the Building Code. Engineers should really re-study the plans and designs to ensure safer structures. Dapat may anti-earthquake design para may malaking chance na ma-secure yung building,” he said.

“It is also important to have discipline so that the people will not panic,” he said, adding the warning by experts should really be taken seriously.

As with the latest calamity brought about by tropical storm “Ondoy” and typhoon “Pepeng,” which rendered vast tracts of lands in eastern and southern Metro Manila and Central and Northern Luzon under floodwaters, Fernando said they have learned some valuable lessons.

“We’ve learned that rubber boats are not reliable for rescue during the height of flooding since they can be easily punctured by twigs, wires, cables. We also can’t say that we are prepared enough kasi pwedeng maging biktima din yung mga rescue personnel,” he said.

The MMDA has already put in place rescue vans with equipment for search and rescue operation, tools and medicines in high-risk areas in 22 barangays in the cities of Manila, Quezon City, Marikina, and Pasig City.

The vans contained powerful hydraulic tools for cutting and digging through debris as well as first aid equipment needed for search and rescue operations.