Makati sets meetings in 4 barangays to prepare for ‘the big one’

The Makati City government called on officials and residents of four barangays located along the West Valley Fault to attend consultative meetings in preparation for a magnitude 7.2 earthquake projected to occur anytime.

The city government has scheduled the discussions in Comembo on March 8, Rizal on March 15, Pembo on March 22 and East Rembo on March 29.

These will be held before the installation of West Valley Fault markers and “mohon” (concrete landmarks) in 152 identified areas in the four barangays.

Five meters on both sides of the fault line should be delineated as open space under the Comprehensive Land Use Plan 2013-2023 and its corresponding zoning ordinance.

“For residents and stakeholders to better appreciate the significance of the markers, they need to be fully aware of the hazards they face in the event of a major earthquake,” Mayor Abby Binay said in a statement.

A magnitude 7.2 earthquake will result in 21,205 people being killed, 84,822 others injured and more than a million affected in Makati City, according to the Metro Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study in 2004.

The impact is projected to heavily damage 9,092 structures, partially damage 16,694 and burn 4,983 structures.

The city disaster risk reduction and management fund was given a P625 million budget this year. Thirty percent or P187.5 million is allocated to the Quick Response Fund.