What are your thoughts on a possible earthquake?

Talk of a possible earth-quake in Metro Manila has been in the news. While others choose to ignore this, others have started preparing earthquake kits in case it does happen. It took me some time to respond and start preparing earthquake kits for my kids and staff simply because I felt no one has the power to predict earthquakes.

But aside from being prepared with canned goods and water, we have to prepare ourselves too. Let us take this as a wakeup call to look deep into our hearts and ask ourselves mentally, and spiritually, if we are living our lives according to His will. And for the days, months and years to come let us take this opportunity to do good, be good and always see good in others.

Mandy dela Rama, businesswoman

We are definitely due for an earthquake soon. Experts say the Philippines is positioned within the Ring of Fire where high seismic activities occur. Also, the fact that our Asian neighbors like Nepal, Sumatra, Japan have been recently hit by earthquakes, points to the very real probability that we can be next. We have to be prepared. For my part I have been slowly putting together an earthquake kit for every member of my household, as well as pet kits for my three dogs. I have also made sure that my fire extinguishers have been refilled since the content expires yearly, because as they say, it’s not the earthquake that will kill you, it’s the fires caused by the earthquake.

Senator Loren Legarda

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) already warned that the Marikina Valley Fault Line is ripe for movement but no one can predict the exact time it will move. A 2004 JICA study revealed that a 7.2-magnitude earthquake in Metro Manila could destroy 40 percent of residential buildings and 35 percent of all public buildings, and kill 34,000 and injure 114,000 people. Earthquakes do not kill, but unsafe structures do. We should evaluate and retrofit all infrastructure such as buildings and bridges to withstand strong quakes; conduct regular earthquake drills; and craft evacuation plans that would help people find the fastest and safest way to reach open spaces and safe areas.

The Senate Committee on Climate Change, which I chair, in collaboration with various government agencies, produced the Disaster Preparedness and First Aid Handbook, which we have been distributing and it can be accessed on my website: www.lorenlegarda.com.ph/disaster-preparedness

Carla Larazabal Prado, homemaker

Natural disasters like earthquakes can happen suddenly. The only way we can be safe is to be prepared and take precautionary measures. After experiencing a strong earthquake that hit Cebu and other parts of the Visayas, I felt the importance of learning the do’s and don’ts during and after an earthquake. You should not panic; try to stay calm and to have presence of mind when an earthquake occurs.

QC Councilor Lala Sotto

I am in no position to say when and if it will happen. I entrust that to the experts and expect them to provide us with accurate and timely information. In preparation, I do what I can in my capacity both as a mother and as an elected local official of my city. We have a very active QCDRRMC (QC Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council), which is funded by the local government and has a trained staff that continuously holds trainings on disaster preparedness and are ready when disaster strikes. In addition, our city has been holding orientations in our 142 barangays. Right now what is important is that we are well aware of all possible scenarios and are always prepared and understand our roles when the time comes. I leave it all up to God. Director Kitchie Bendicto Paulino

Is an earthquake due? My answer is no. And I don’t think God sends these bad happenings as a punishment. Earthquakes are part of nature’s imperfections and should not be branded as a means of punishment for sins.

Jules Dacanay, assistant director for TV commercials

Waiting for an earthquake is like waiting for a “like” from your Facebook crush — it’s bound to happen, you’re just never sure when. So what’s a little preparation to help you sleep better? I’ve got my passport, a flashlight, M&Ms and a can of chicken in brine — all within arm’s reach from my sturdy iron bed. If it’s going to rock, I’ll just get under and roll!

Tina Monson Palma

I look forward to a higher level of awareness, knowledge, understanding and response to minimize the earthquake’s devastating impact on precious lives and destruction of the environment. Government must take the lead and people must trust that they know what to do. And God help us all.

Rola Orosa Vizmonte, space planner

I pray that our country would be spared from experiencing the devastation of an earthquake. With all that is happening around the world, it is wise to take precautions — not out of fear but because being proactive is the best thing we can do. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has given their predictions regarding the earth’s movement to forewarn us. My belief is that God is sovereign. He’s the only one truly in control, the only one who knows the times and the seasons. I choose to be wise and not to be anxious about events that I have no control over. Do not be anxious about anything; but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Mike Planas, chairman, QC Councilors Foundation

I believe an earthquake will happen but as to when, where and how, even modern science has not solved this mystery. To prepare, I will participate in the coming MMDA drill on July 30. And of course, I will continue to pray that God, in his infinite mercy, will spare us and keep us in his loving protection and care.

DJ Sta. Ana, TV 5 news operations head

Phivolcs head Renato Solidum said the Philippines is due for a major earthquake. He stressed there is no way they can say when it will happen. No one can predict when an earthquake will happen. Will a quake happen? Most likely — it will. The only questions are: when and how strong? The best thing people can do is to prepare for it. We pray it doesn’t happen but we all should be prepared.