Corruption kills

P for earthquakes should go the time schools, companies and govern and students the basic knowledge of stop, drop, cover, hold, and then evacuate to open spaces, as protocols in the event of are equipped with emergency kits that - pelling, and coordination for emergencies. But at the end of the day, these are things that we hope will not be necessary because - ary measures.

- liability of an architect and an engineer is only 25 years, and buildings are required to withstand at least an intensity 7 to 8 earthquake. In essence, the building code suggests that the life span and accountability of the building and other structures are only 25 years.

But a question hangs over our heads: after 25 years who will be made accountable if proven that the design and the materials used for the structure was sub-standard? Even if it is in the interest of a client to reduce costs, are developers, contractors, and designers allowed government is mandated, through the city engineering office, to check and occupancy; so, in the event of a building collapse, what is the accountability occupancy permits?

- fortunate one, but nature should not be used as an excuse for complacency. For the past hundred years, earthquakes have even departments created to study fault certain areas. For the Philippines, as well as Japan and other countries that are in been part of history. But if we look at Japan, casualty and collapse during earth- quakes of high intensities yield relatively low casualties.

When an earthquake devastated Haiti in on the possible impact of an earthquake with a similar magnitude should it happen in Metro Manila. I cited a study done by - cy in 2004 on “Metro Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction,” also known as the MMEIRS study. It assessed and somehow earthquake will cause. With the West Valley says, it will be important to look back to the MMEIRS report for guidance. It should the extent of the possible consequences.

The first 72 hours

170,000 residential houses will be heavily damaged or collapsed ( 13 percent of total buildings), 340,000 will be moderately damaged (26 percent of total buildings) and 10,000 alongside the Manila Bay will be affected by by a magnitude 7.2 earthquake.

Eleven percent of mid-rise buildings (10 to 30 stories) and 2 percent of high-rise buildings (30 to 60 stories) will be severely - cent of mid-rise and 12 percent of high-rise buildings will be moderately damaged.

Eight to 10 percent of hospitals, schools, - moderately damaged. Death tolls in the first hour could reach around 34,000 people and another 20,000 could become casualties in the succeeding hours because that will occur.

average day in Metro Manila but with buildings and electrical posts toppled water supply and debris, among others, it would take longer for rescuers to reach that our government forces and volunteers are safe and pieces of equipment international assessment, help will come after 72 hours but because of Metro design, I think we can expect that it will take more time.

Immediate action and longterm preparedness

Group have sent 145 recommendations that we should immediately implement a strict structural audit of buildings that weaken over time because of numerous vibrations caused by smaller intensity movements. Houses and buildings that are old as well as houses and buildings that have sub-standard designs should also be checked.

- ernment buildings, schools, hospitals and dedicate more open spaces for evacuation sites and these sites should have a quick response team that can set up a clinic, clean water station, food quarters, place of worship and mobile communication, among others.

- ernment permits before a developer can for corruption. Bureaucracy and red tape in securing building permits do not only - set the cost paid for corruption. Ultimately, corruption kills. It will take visionary leadership and a strong political will from the government to ensure public safety through good planning, good design, and good governance.