In a proactive move to safeguard its residents against potential tsunamis, the La Union province has designated 95 evacuation centers spread across 13 local government units (LGUs). These centers are strategically placed in coastal towns such as Bangar, Luna, Balaoan, Bacnotan, San Juan, San Fernando City, Bauang, Caba, Aringay, Agoo, Santo Tomas, and Rosario, as well as in Sudipen, which lies near the Amburayan River. The initiative comes in response to the threat of a tsunami triggered by a significant earthquake along the Manila Trench, which could impact approximately 396,572 individuals from 247 villages in these areas.
The La Union Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has been actively collaborating with national agencies to enhance monitoring capabilities. Governor Raphaelle Veronica David highlighted that San Fernando City is at a higher risk, as discussed in recent meetings with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). The city has installed early detection warning systems at the city hall and the provincial capitol, with sirens audible throughout the city. Efforts are underway to extend these warnings to the coastal areas as well.
Governor David emphasized the proactive stance of the disaster management offices, ready to respond to tsunamis, earthquakes, and other disasters. This preparedness follows a series of earthquakes recorded by Phivolcs from December 17 to 22, ranging from magnitudes 3 to 5.3, located about 100 kilometers northwest of Santa Catalina in Ilocos Sur, attributed to movements along the Manila Trench.
Phivolcs has identified several areas at risk of tsunamis with potential runup heights, including Vigan City in Ilocos Sur at 14.7 meters, San Fernando City in La Union at 11 meters, Bolinao in Pangasinan at 11.6 meters, Laoag City in Ilocos Norte at 10 meters, and Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte at 7.6 meters.