Fault lines and rivers

No one has successfully predicted the date of any earthquake. However, we are grateful for those concerned enough to continue to warn our people to prepare for a possible big earthquake.

Director Renato Solidum Jr. of Phivolcs explained that the recent killer earthquakes in Nepal should be taken as a grim but clear warning that such a killer earthquake may also happen in areas along the West Valley Fault that include Quezon City, Marikina, Pasig, Makati, Taguig, Muntinlupa and Bulacan, Laguna, and Cavite.

Solidum explained that the interval movement of this fault is roughly within 400-600 years and as the last earthquake was in1658 (about 357 years ago). It is never too early to keep the warning up for everyone to prepare.

That is why Phivolcs has been producing maps, distributing handbooks, and warning everyone to take proactive steps to prepare for a possible killer quake. For those who want to check if their areas are within the fault line, they can refer to this website – www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph.

The people in structures along the fault line should be assisted to transfer or move as early as possible. All need to rally together to prepare for this possible big disaster.

LGUs have the resources to mobilize and organize disaster management teams, mark and inform people about possible evacuation centers and equip these centers with emergency survival items, as well as reliable communication systems as lifelines for those in need. Drills should be regularly done so that everyone will be prepared about what to do in case a big earthquake does take place. Media should constantly remind the public about what they can proactively do so as to prepare effectively for any disaster.

Let us also proceed and do a national prayer crusade for God to protect our people always and especially against any future killer disaster. Churches, neighborhoods, schools, and families can start prayer teams asking God to spare our people from any future harm.

Nothing to lose, everything to gain by being prepared. The time to prepare is now.

Skeptics may say, oh, the earthquake warning along the west valley fault has been sounded years back but nothing happened so there is no need to panic and be alarmed. We agree, panic and fear are not the appropriate responses to possible disasters. Information and preparation, and yes, prayers can go a long way to avert so much loss later. Be informed, be prepared, pray and do please stay safe and protected, everyone. Dear Lord, please protect our people from harm and loss.

In Cebu, the present initiative to save the rivers may be taken not only as an attempt to revive and clean up the rivers. Along a longer perspective, the campaign can be viewed as a proactive step to avert risks and loss to those living near the rivers. Apart from the ecological benefits of having cleaner rivers, the project may be a small but significant step to help the homeless along the riverbanks.

It is often pointed out that among the reasons why rivers are dirty, are the mismanagement and lack of responsibility for waste management of those living near the rivers. There are other factors, of course, but it is a persistent perception that the poor homeless are dumping their waste on the poor rivers. Hence, it may be useful to suggest that river clean-up or saving the river campaigns include plans for the homeless residents near the rivers.

Should eviction and relocation be part of the longterm plan, will the Save the River project include a possible redevelopment plan for housing those who may be evicted from the areas? Can a possible plan include relocation within safe distance from the rivers to enable the residents there to proceed with their source of livelihood and for schoolchildren to continue to go to their schools, with the residents allowed to proceed with their lives with as little dislocations as possible? Such on-site resettlement plans can invite artists and architects who can be asked to design beautiful, livable communities within safe distance from the rivers.

On-site resettlement plans, however, should include written agreements especially on the part of the residents for them to honor tasks and responsibilities that should include protecting the rivers from waste and pollution, among others. Another responsibility that can be considered can include having the residents put up green areas within the new designed community, gardens to provide for their food, health and other needs, and possible sources of income even.

If on-site resettlement plan is not possible, for the sake of the residents who may be relocated, we hope a solid, humane plan is prepared so that as the rivers are taken care of, so are the former residents near the rivers.