On March 28th, a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand, causing widespread devastation. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed. This event serves as a stark reminder that the Philippines, like these nations, lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire and is highly vulnerable to earthquakes.
We have experienced our own destructive earthquakes, most recently in November 2023, when a 6.7 magnitude quake hit Sarangani, resulting in fatalities, injuries, and property damage. We also recall the series of earthquakes in our region during the last quarter of 2019, when malls, condominiums, and other buildings were deemed structurally unsafe.
We remember the images of makeshift shelters in the earthquake’s ground zero in North Cotabato in November 2019 and the grief and uncertainty on the faces of displaced survivors. Many affected were farmers, facing the daunting question of whether they could ever return home. In urban areas, numerous residents were also displaced as their buildings sustained dangerous cracks. High-rise condominium dwellers, traumatized by the tremors, even considered abandoning their homes.
This earthquake highlights the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness. In Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, while most skyscrapers remained intact, a high-rise structure under construction was the only one reportedly affected. This demonstrates the overall resilience of their infrastructure. Currently, search and rescue operations are ongoing, and Myanmar’s government has already appealed to international organizations for assistance in locating those trapped in the rubble and providing urgent medical care and essential supplies, including food, water, shelter, and medical aid.
The recent events in Myanmar and Thailand should prompt a serious re-evaluation of our own preparedness. While the country has made strides in disaster risk reduction and management, there is still significant room for improvement. The efficacy of our early warning systems needs to be rigorously tested and strengthened. Public awareness campaigns, emphasizing earthquake safety measures and evacuation procedures, must be consistently reinforced. Regular drills and simulations are crucial to ensure that communities are well-prepared to respond to seismic events.
Using Thailand as a model, the integrity of our infrastructure must be assessed and reinforced. Many buildings, especially in densely populated urban areas, are vulnerable to earthquakes. The enforcement of stringent building codes, coupled with retrofitting existing structures, is essential. Investment in resilient infrastructure, including evacuation centers and emergency communication systems, is also vital.
The tragedy in Myanmar and Thailand serves as a constant reminder of our vulnerability to earthquakes and other natural disasters. Strengthening our own preparedness is vital to mitigating the impact of these disasters. Only through proactive measures and a steadfast commitment to resilience can we safeguard lives and build a safer future.
