In response to recent seismic activity off the coast of Ilocos Sur, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has issued a directive to local government units (LGUs) in the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, and Central Luzon to bolster their earthquake and tsunami evacuation strategies. OCD Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno has convened an urgent meeting, tasking regional directors to collaborate closely with national agencies and LGUs, particularly the Department of the Interior and Local Government, to ensure their communities are ready for potential tsunamis. Nepomuceno emphasized the need to review earthquake preparations, highlighting the risk of tsunamis triggered by movements along the Manila Trench. He acknowledged that the current state of preparedness in these regions falls short of the desired level but stressed the immediate need for improvement. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported 49 earthquakes near Santa Catalina, Ilocos Sur, from December 17 to 20, with the most significant being a magnitude 5.0 quake on December 19. These events are linked to the active subduction zone of the Manila Trench. Nepomuceno urged communities to enhance their readiness and response capabilities within a 20-minute window following a tsunami warning, acknowledging the challenges posed by the upcoming holidays and existing limitations. Additionally, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has instructed OCD Regional Offices I, II, and III to take specific steps towards improving local tsunami preparedness, including the development of evacuation plans.
Philippine Authorities Urge Enhanced Tsunami Preparedness Following Ilocos Sur Earthquakes
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