Science

• Earthquakes are usually caused when the underground rocks suddenly move along a fault
• The sudden release of energy causes the seismic waves that make the ground shake
• Earthquakes cannot be predicted
• The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) made a scientific study of the patterns of earthquakes occurrences in the Philippines
• Based on PHIVOLCS studies, the National Capital Region might experience a very strong earthquake in the coming years, which they call the Big One
• The National Government through the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) prepared major risk reduction measures to lessen casualties and destruction of properties due to the Big One
• Earthquake preparedness


  A set of measures taken at the individual, organizational, and societal level to minimize the effects of an earthquake
• Earthquake preparedness measures


  • Securing heavy objects
  • Having structural modifications
  • Storing supplies
  • Having an insurance
  • Having an emergency kit
  • Having an evacuation plan
• Before an earthquake


  1. Evaluate the structure of your house and building

  2. Identify potential sources of hazards

  3. Familiarize yourself with your place and plan routes to get out of buildings
• Earthquake preparedness can range from securing heavy objects, having structural modifications, and storing supplies to having an insurance, an emergency kit, and an evacuation plans
• Earthquake preparedness


  1. Evaluate the structure of your house and building

  2. Familiarize yourself with your place and plan evacuation routes

  3. Find the location of fire extinguishers, first aid kits, alarms, and communication facilities

  4. Prepare an emergency plan

  5. Have a stock of potable water, flashlight, radio, batteries, spare clothes, and some foods
• During an earthquake


  1. Keep calm

  2. If inside a building, go under a desk or table

  3. If outside, stay away from buildings or electric posts or anything that might fall

  4. Do not rush to the exit in crowded places

  5. If in a car, ask the driver to stop and park away from buildings, electric wires, or posts

  6. Do not use elevators

  7. If near a coastal area, run to higher grounds
• After an earthquake


  1. Find a safe place, aftershocks are likely

  2. Check on family members, seek help if someone is missing

  3. Do not attempt to cross damaged bridges and overpasses

  4. Check for fires, locate and use fire control or alarm units

  5. Keep updated and alert, follow authorities' instructions
• Store water and dry food supplies good for a few days
• Turn off gas tank in your home to reduce the chance of having fire
• Stay calm as possible when earthquake occurs
• Expect aftershocks, they can weaken structures
• Follow the instructions of authorities
• In science, observations are used to collect data that can be analyzed and interpreted to draw conclusions or make predictions.