After the calamity brought about by cyclones “Ondoy” and “Pepeng,” the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has underscored the need to strengthen disaster preparedness programs to effectively prepare the public in case of any adversity that could hit the metropolis, including a disastrous earthquake.

MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando said there is now an urgent need to assess the government’s capabilities in responding to disasters.

“We’ve learned that rubber boats are not reliable for rescue during the height of flooding since it can be easily punctured by twigs, wires, cables.

We also can’t say that we are prepared enough kasi pwedeng maging biktima din yung mga rescue personnel,” Fernando said, citing valuable lessons learned from the recent calamity.

Fernando underscored the need for a continuing disaster volunteer training and equipment buildup to effectively prepare Metro Manila for a major earthquake.

Citing a joint study by the MMDA, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and other government agencies, Fernando said lack of preparation in the event of a strong quake could wreak havoc in Metro Manila.

“The study shows that in such scenario, 35,000 persons could die from 400 sporadic fires and collapsed buildings. Although there’s no definite date, the likelihood of such tragedy happening in our time is not farfetched,” he said.

For the agency’s part, the MMDA chief said the agency has trained 4,000 individuals for disaster quick response situation.