6.2 Earthquake in Manila

A moderately strong Earthquake struck Metro Manila on March 25, 2010. There were no reported injuries or significant damage at this time. Im sure this quake sent people running out of buildings not knowing what to do. Reports indicate that the quake lasted approximately 30 seconds. People complained of headaches and dizziness from the shaking when the ground moved. Im glad to know that there were no reported loss of life from this recent earthquake. However, when a big one hits, 7.0 plus, you can expect massive damage and destruction. The loss of life will be significant due to the lack of effective rescuers or agencies capable of conducting search and recovery of earhtquake victims. Also, the fact that area hospitals will be overwhelemed by patients will be a factor in surviving or perishing from this type of disaster. That is of course if the hospital buildings survive the quake.
The Philippines can be easily compared to Haiti. As we all know recently an Earthquake destroyed Haiti's capital city of Port-au-prince. It took approxiamtely 45 seconds to completely destroy every structure in the city. The reason being is, there are no building codes in Haiti. One can erect a structure without following safe construction code. Buildings were built without steel rebars in their foundations. As for the Philippines, I know there are strict building codes, however due to corruption, inspectors could be bribed in signing off on an inadequately built structure. Instead of using the correct size steel rebar for concerete foundations, smaller gauges will be used in order to save money in building materials. This will be the cause of massive loss of life. Unfortunately, it is too late in the game to correct this problem, the buildings are already built and there is no way to check the structures stability after it is completed. We just have to wait and see after the earthquake hits.
Now how does it feel walking in a building not knowing if it is safe. Will the building hold up to an earthquake? if the building should colapse would you know what to do to survive? Lots of questions and not much real answers from Philvocs. Im not anti-faith or anti-religion, but the only answer Philvocs had was to pray. In which I do agree, but it is not a good solution in a survival situation. Praying alone will not save you. Training and being prepared is half the battle. Knowledge is important. Strategic Research and Practical Solutions provides training and ideas on how to survive disasters. For more information Email me at srps.ph@gmail.com