(UPDATE) THE National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has taken significant steps to enhance tsunami preparedness in vulnerable regions, particularly in Northern Luzon.
NDRRMC Executive Director Ariel Nepomuceno, in a memorandum ordered the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon to draft a comprehensive tsunami evacuation plan.
The memorandum follows a series of 50 earthquakes recorded off the coast of Santa Catalina, Ilocos Sur, between Dec. 17 and 20, 2024, with magnitudes ranging from 1.8 to 5.0. These seismic activities have raised concerns about the potential risk of tsunamis, prompting immediate action to safeguard communities.
Nepomuceno emphasized the importance of clearly mapped evacuation routes that prioritize accessibility, particularly for communities that need to evacuate within a critical 15-minute timeframe.
“We must ensure that every resident in high-risk areas knows how to respond and where to go in the event of a tsunami,” he said.
To bolster preparedness, OCD officials are delving into research on tsunami events and countermeasures. They are closely studying Japan’s early warning system, renowned as one of the most effective in the world, to adopt best practices suitable for the Philippines.
The memorandum said that anticipated areas likely to be impacted by a tsunami are under close monitoring, with recent earthquake data informing ongoing studies. Additionally, historical analysis of destructive tsunamis in the Philippines is being conducted under the guidance of the Secretary of National Defense (SND) and key OCD officials. This analysis aims to establish a robust framework for mitigating damages, particularly under worst-case scenarios.
Nepomuceno said public awareness is a critical component of the initiative.
He said the NDRRMC is prioritizing the dissemination of tsunami-related information to heighten preparedness at the national, regional, and local levels.
“Preparedness is our best defense against natural disasters,” Nepomuceno said. “By learning from past events and leveraging modern technology, we can significantly reduce risks and save lives.”
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