‘Is Cebu City ready for a big earthquake?’

LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — Cebu City officials have sought a full review of the city’s emergency preparedness amid concerns over its readiness for a major earthquake.

During the Cebu City Council session on Tuesday, June 9, Councilor Pastor M. Alcover Jr. called for reports on the city’s disaster response capacity following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake off Sarangani the day before.

The quake, which affected several parts of Mindanao, renewed concerns about Cebu’s vulnerability to a similar event.

READ: No earthquake swarms in Cebu, but ‘Big One’ remains possible — Phivolcs

“The tragedy unfolding before us must serve as a wake-up call for Cebu City,” Alcover said in his privilege speech.

Questions on public safety

Earthquakes strike without warning, emphasizing the need for regular assessments of whether the city’s infrastructure and emergency response systems can withstand a major disaster, the councilor said.

Alcover raised concerns over the operational readiness of the city’s rescue units, the adequacy of trained personnel, the reliability of emergency communication systems, and the structural safety of evacuation centers.

He also noted that Cebu City is one of the country’s most densely populated and economically active urban centers, with several communities exposed to earthquake risks.

Inspecting Cebu City’s structures

The councilor highlighted the Office of the Building Official’s (OBO) role in ensuring that structures across the city comply with safety standards.

He then moved to request the OBO, through the Office of the City Mayor, to submit a report on the implementation and enforcement of structural safety inspections.

The report must outline measures to ensure that commercial, residential, institutional, industrial, and public buildings are structurally sound and earthquake-resilient.

READ: Mindanao earthquake death toll climbs to 37; 479 injured – NDRRMC

Emergency response capabilities

“We cannot afford to wait for a catastrophic earthquake to expose weaknesses in our emergency response systems. Preparedness today will determine how many lives we can save tomorrow,” Alcover said.

Alcover also sought a comprehensive assessment of the city’s emergency response capabilities.

He requested the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the Cebu City Rescue Unit, and other concerned agencies to submit a Comprehensive Earthquake Preparedness and Emergency Response Capability Report.

Rescue vehicles, trained personnel

The report should include the inventory and operational status of rescue vehicles, heavy equipment, emergency tools, and other disaster response assets.

It should also detail the available manpower, training qualifications, and deployment capability of rescue personnel.

The councilor further sought updates on emergency communication systems, command centers, and inter-agency coordination mechanisms.

READ: EXPLAINER: Why did the magnitude 7.8 Sarangani quake happen?

Councilor Dave Tumulak, chairperson of the city’s disaster council, also moved to request a copy of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan 2020–2030 from the Office of Civil Defense and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

All motions were approved during the session.

Phivolcs works with LGUs

Meanwhile, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said it continues to monitor seismic activity and assist local government units in disaster preparedness efforts.

Engr. Robinson Jorgio, director of the Phivolcs Visayas Cluster Monitoring Center for Earthquake and Tsunami, said the agency monitors earthquake hazards across the region and provides technical support to local governments.

Among its functions is determining horizontal peak ground acceleration, or the maximum horizontal ground shaking produced during an earthquake.

Design requirements for safety

The data helps engineers determine design requirements for structures and assess potential damage to infrastructure after a major earthquake.

Jorgio said that Phivolcs coordinates with local building officials by providing findings from hazard studies and field surveys.

READ: LIST: Killer earthquakes in the Philippines

He stressed the importance of closely supervising construction projects to ensure approved safety designs are properly followed and geohazard assessments are considered.

According to Jorgio, developers must secure the necessary clearances from government agencies before proceeding with construction projects.

Hazard certifications for informed decisions

He added that Phivolcs issues hazard certifications that inform property owners of potential risks from earthquakes and landslides in specific areas.

“Kung ikaw nay plano nga development sa lugar, consult geotechnical engineers,” Jorgio said during a news forum on Tuesday.

Phivolcs has also trained local governments to develop hazard exposure databases that help identify vulnerable communities and guide disaster risk reduction measures.

Central Cebu Fault System

Jorgio said Cebu remains vulnerable to a major earthquake because several potentially active faults traverse the province, particularly the Central Cebu Fault System.

The fault system stretches across Cebu Island and passes through highly populated areas, including Cebu City, Mandaue City, Talisay City, and Danao City.

According to Jorgio, the fault system could generate an earthquake ranging from magnitude 7.2 to 7.5.

Such an event could produce Intensity VIII or “very destructive” ground shaking across Cebu Island.

As local officials seek a clearer picture of Cebu City’s readiness, experts continue to stress the importance of strengthening disaster preparedness measures before a major earthquake strikes.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

Read Next