By Juzel L. Danganan
MANILA, May 27 (PNA) – The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) is preparing for the aftermath of the predicted “Big One”, a possible 7.2 magnitude earthquake along the West Valley Fault that could seriously affect Metro Manila.
”We’ve held meetings with PHIVOLCS, Director Renato Solidum even came for a simulation. It is still ongoing, but the important thing is to ensure that Meralco’s facilities are robust on the event of earthquakes,” Meralco president and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Oscar Reyes told reporters.
Reyes cited that buildings, offices and communication facilities need to be sturdy enough – if the worst happens.
He cited that the preparedness of their people will be a factor in the following restoration operations, adding its well distributed network organization will also help.
Reyes added the distribution utility is trying to assess a worst case scenario regarding its poles, transformers and wires, with its facilities and equipment that are well spread throughout the entire network.
Among the restoration plans, Reyes said Meralco is working on acquiring materials and equipment to be placed in its facilities that needs replacement in case of a big earthquake.
Meralco had not given any figure yet for the cost of the additional equipment and materials.
”That’s still under development, but it will depend on the magnitude and how much will be hit,” Reyes said.
Another option for Meralco is to seek a way to immediately bring materials or equipment to the affected area within the least amount of time, according to the CEO.
Meralco is also working with other distribution utilities on how to respond in times of disasters.
Solidum previously warned that an earthquake of such magnitude could kill as many as 37,000 people and harm 140,000 others. He further estimates that economic losses could reach Php 2.5 trillion.
The West Valley Fault runs from the Sierra Madre to Laguna, also crossing the eastern part of Quezon City, western side of Marikina, western part of Pasig, eastern side of Makati, along with parts of Taguig, and Muntinlupa.
Earlier, PHIVOLCS reported that the West Valley fault, on average, moves every 400 years, the last time in 1658 or around 355 years ago. (PNA)