In response to a series of earthquakes off the coast of Ilocos Sur, local government units across the Ilocos Region are ramping up their disaster preparedness efforts. From December 17 to 22, 2024, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) documented a cluster of seismic activities, with magnitudes ranging from 3.0 to 5.3, centered approximately 100 kilometers northwest of Santa Catalina, Ilocos Sur. These quakes are associated with movements along the Manila Trench, a recognized seismic threat.
During a Zoom press conference on December 23, 2024, Angelito Lanuza, a science research specialist at Phivolcs, emphasized the real threat of a tsunami but urged the public to remain calm and focus on enhancing preparedness and evacuation strategies. Phivolcs identified several areas at risk, estimating potential tsunami run-up heights in Vigan City at 14.7 meters, San Fernando City at 11 meters, Bolinao at 11.6 meters, Laoag City at 10 meters, and Pagudpud at 7.6 meters.
Marcell Tabije, the provincial disaster risk reduction and management officer of Ilocos Norte, confirmed that existing evacuation plans in the province’s coastal areas are being reviewed to safeguard communities against a potential tsunami triggered by a stronger earthquake. He noted that all towns, particularly those along the coast, have been instructed to prepare their barangays for such emergencies following a pre-disaster risk assessment meeting with the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) in Region 1.
In Ilocos Sur’s Sta. Catalina, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has been actively discussing earthquake and tsunami preparedness measures and response strategies. Key topics included the importance of early warning systems, community awareness, regular drills, equipment inventory and prepositioning, and the revision of evacuation and contingency plans.
Laurence Mina, the OCD Ilocos Regional Director, stressed during a virtual forum that preparedness is crucial for community safety. He highlighted that there are 21 evacuation centers in Region 1 designed to withstand an earthquake of up to 8.0 magnitude, urging all relevant authorities to update their action plans and take proactive steps to manage risks.