EDITORIAL - The 'Big One'

Disaster authorities have warned of a powerful earthquake rocking Cebu, advising Cebuanos especially those living in the metropolitan area to be prepared since it is possible for a Magnitude 6 or 7 quake to occur anytime.

According to Henremagne Peñarubia, science research specialist at the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Cebu has not experienced a strong quake for the past five centuries and there is a possibility that more energy has been stored that would unleash a powerful tremor once a fault line moves.

For Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office head Baltazar Tribunalo, measures must be put in place as Cebuanos brace for the 'Big One.' "No one will know when this (strong earthquake) will happen. It may be tomorrow, it may be next month or the next years," he said.     

We all know that the Philippines is just one of a dozen countries situated right in an area in the Pacific basin that volcanologists and seismologists call the 'Ring of Fire.' As the world's most seismically active region, majority of strong global earthquakes occur along the 'Ring of Fire.'     

Well, the warning is there and the big question now is how prepared are the Cebuanos when the 'Big One' strikes. While we hope it will not happen during our lifetime, we must be ready to face it considering the fact that no one can predict it.

Since no technology has been invented to predict an earthquake, all we have to do is take the necessary measures that aim to minimize losses. Therefore, it's high time for authorities to invest in expertise and other resources that deal with the impact not only of an earthquake but of other calamities as well.

Yes we have earthquake drills conducted yearly in schools, government offices and private establishments across the country. But are those exercises following international standards on disaster preparedness?

As much as we do not like it to happen, the 'Big One' is certain to hit Cebu. But as to when, no one knows. All we have to do is take the necessary steps as we brace for its occurrence.