"The specter of massive calamity is real."
Inevitably, there is now a growing concern among us about the possibility of a major earthquake striking in the country, particularly crowded urban areas like Metro Manila.
Unlike previously, the specter of the Big One happening any moment is obviously no longer being taken lightly, and a number of anxious questions lurk in the back of our minds.
What do we do when the Big One hits? Are we ready for contingencies like power failure? How prepared are we in terms of rescue operations, medical emergencies, and triage? Can we prevent chaos and looting? Do we have enough food and potable water supply?
Government offices, schools, and some private entities have, in fact, conducted earthquake and fire drills but these have been limited to evacuating the buildings.
President Duterte has ordered concerned agencies and local government units to inspect public buildings and ascertain if they can endure strong tremors.
There have been frequent occurrence of earthquakes and numerous aftershocks in Mindanao, particularly those areas in the proximity of the Cotabato Trench including Davao provinces.
Similarly, several tremors had been experienced in Luzon, including Metro Manila, in the past months before the strong quakes in the South took place that resulted in several deaths and limited damage.
But the threat of the Big One hangs like the Sword of Damocles over our heads. It can strike at any place at any time. Unfortunately, such cannot possibly be predicted by modern technology even in rich countries just yet.
On July 16, 1990, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit Central Luzon and the Cordillera region, claiming the lives of over 1,600 people and causing extensive damages. Baguio City suffered the most casualties that day, particularly at the collapsed Hyatt Hotel.
Bohol island was devastated by a horrific intensity 7.2 tremor in October 2013 with casualties of 159 and centuries-old churches in ruins. The island was shaken again by a 5.9 quake in March this year.
In October 1976, an 8.2-magnitude earthquake under the sea caused a tsunami in western Mindanao, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, killing some 8,000 people.
These are but a few in the list of the tragedies caused by major earthquakes in the country that can repeat at any place at any time, and cannot be predicted.
Perhaps, the recent earthquakes serve as a gentle reminder for all of us.
We may be distracted most of the time but we are well aware that the specter of massive calamity is real. And, we know that the only thing we can predict is how prepared we are as a nation for any contingency such as the Big One.