United Nations exec: Philippines must prepare for ‘big one’

MANILA, Philippines — The serious threat of super typhoons, volcanoes and earthquakes, exacerbated by climate change, compels the Philippines to prepare for the eventuality of a “big one,” according to Gustavo González, United Nations coordinator in the Philippines.

González said the Philippines is the most prone to natural hazards in the world, and these hazards are becoming more intense due to climate change.

He added that the UN has been working hand in hand with authorities in the country to prepare for a wide range of disasters.

“The Philippines, with its 7,000 islands and many coastal cities, has always been extremely vulnerable to intense weather events and natural hazards. Each year there are some 20 typhoons, and many can transform into super typhoons, which are very destructive extreme weather events,” González said ahead of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction.

“We are seeing more super typhoons as the seas in Southeast Asia warm due to climate change,” he added.

The UN official noted that there are around 20 active volcanoes across the country, and according to experts, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake at any time can be expected.

“So the serious threat of super typhoons, volcanoes and earthquakes, exacerbated by climate change, compels us to prepare for the eventuality of a ‘big one,’ a natural event of huge potential destructive force,” González said.