OCD warns: Substandard steel puts lives at risk if ‘The Big One’ hits Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines — In the wake of a destructive 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar and was felt across Southeast Asia, a top Philippine disaster official has warned that the use of substandard construction materials, particularly steel, could lead to deadly consequences if a similar quake strikes Metro Manila.

“Using substandard steel can compromise the strength of buildings, houses, and other structures such as bridges, warehouses, etc. Lives will be at risk if such buildings or structures collapse,” said Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno.

The Philippines sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and is home to multiple active fault lines. One of the most dangerous is the West Valley Fault, which spans 100 kilometers through Quezon City, Marikina, Pasig, Taguig, Muntinlupa, and parts of Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, and Cavite.

According to a study by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), a magnitude 7.2 earthquake along the West Valley Fault could cause the collapse of at least 168,000 buildings and result in more than 33,000 deaths in Metro Manila and surrounding provinces.

“OCD is currently campaigning to raise awareness on the importance of ensuring compliance to the safety provisions of the Building Code,” Nepomuceno said. “We’re hoping that the LGUs will support our call because they are the ones who approve or disapprove building and occupancy permits.”

He also stressed the importance of stricter regulation.

“Importations of construction materials must be strictly regulated and monitored. Locally produced materials must be monitored too. Construction design and implementation must be fully compliant to withstand strong tremors,” he continued.

Graphics by Ed Lustan/Inquirer.net

(2025/04/01-14:40)