OCD orders Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon offices to prep for tsunamis

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has directed its regional offices in the Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, and Central Luzon to draft tsunami evacuation plans, following the series of earthquakes in the past few days that could lead to tsunamis.

In a statement posted on its social media page, the OCD said administrator and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) executive director Ariel Nepomuceno ordered the regions to work closely and urgently with their local government units to ensure that preparations are being made.

“Check preparations for earthquakes, with a possible tsunami resulting from the movement of the Manila Trench. Delve into the details as discussed in the Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell meeting today,” he was quoted as saying.

“I understand that your areas are not as prepared as we desire, but we must remedy this situation now,” he added.

This comes as a series of earthquakes were recorded offshore of Ilocos Sur with magnitudes ranging from 1.8 to 5.0 in the past few days, with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) flagging the risk of tsunamis.

According to PHIVOLCS Science Research assistant Paolo Sawi, there are two possible scenarios — either the number of earthquakes decreases in the following days, or these escalate and could probably cause a tsunami.

Should this be coupled with a high tide, the tsunamis could be as high as two to three meters, which will impact mostly Northern Luzon.

“Possible na umabot siya ng South Luzon, but ‘yung height niya is ‘di na siya ganon kataas comparing sa mga northern part ng Luzon,” he said in a report on GMA’s “24 Oras Weekend” on Sunday.

(It could possibly reach South Luzon, but the height wouldn’t be as high compared with the northern parts of Luzon).

“If our prayers are answered, we still have the chance to double our earthquake preparations — early warning systems, public awareness, drills, inventory on equipment and skilled personnel, and updating of plans. Take the lead; that’s your mission and role,” Nepomuceno said.

The OCD said the regions have also been ordered to review the current tsunami contingency plans, and identify gaps or areas for improvement, along with evacuation routes to ensure accessibility while prioritizing coastal communities.

The offices were also directed to validate and map designated evacuation centers for coastal barangays and identify temporary evacuation centers for displaced individuals, and ensure that tsunami alert and warning systems are operational.

“What can be done in 20 minutes by the vulnerable communities? I know it’s challenging, especially since we have not yet achieved our ideal level of preparedness and with the holidays approaching. But please do your best despite the limitations,” Nepomuceno said. —Jon Viktor Cabuenas/RF, GMA Integrated News