In a heartfelt message, Ariel Nepomuceno, the Undersecretary and administrator of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in the Philippines, expressed his deep condolences to those affected by the recent 6.4-magnitude earthquake in Taiwan. The seismic event, which occurred shortly after midnight on Tuesday, led to 27 injuries, triggered landslides, and caused extensive damage to residential areas.
Nepomuceno conveyed his sympathies, stating, ‘Our sincerest sympathies are with the earthquake victims in Taiwan. We offer our prayers as they recover from the damage and distress caused by this natural disaster.’ He highlighted the shared vulnerability of both nations to earthquakes, given their locations along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates converge.
Acknowledging Taiwan’s efforts in disaster management since the devastating earthquake of 1999, Nepomuceno praised their advancements in building codes and early warning systems designed to mitigate the impact of such disasters. He emphasized the importance of disaster preparedness, urging Filipinos to take responsibility for their safety and to enhance their readiness for potential disasters.
Nepomuceno stressed the importance of collective action in building a disaster-resilient Philippines, noting that international recognition of the country’s efforts signifies progress in the right direction.