The scenario following a major tremor hitting Metro Manila is grim—at least 52,000 dead, 500,000 others injured, 500 fires breaking out, 4,000 water supply points cut and nearly 14 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) wiped out. A summary of the PSA report, “Metro Manila Earthquake Vulnerability Assessment 2019”, said at least two major earthquakes had been recorded originating from the West Valley Fault in the last 1,400 years. There’s been no major movement in the fault since the 16th century, though, said the report, an update of a 2016 report on Metro Manila’s quake vulnerability. “After the initial building collapses, further damage is expected from the breakout of an estimated 500 fires across Metro Manila,” PSA said. Angat Dam, Metro Manila’s main water source, is highly vulnerable as it straddles the West Valley Fault.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer November 14, 2019 11:22 UTC