DANGER FROM MANILA TRENCH

ALL of Dagupan, not just its coastal areas, will be affected in the event of a tsunami triggered by an 8.2 magnitude earthquake coming from the potentially active Manila Trench, according to Meliquin Bauzon, chief of the Public Alert Response and Monitoring Center (PARMC).

In a meeting with barangay captains and officials of member agencies of the Dagupan City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) on January 14 at the Dagupan City People’s Astrodome, she emphasized the need to prepare all parts of the city.

She urged all of the 31 barangays to have an evacuation plan, from making all residents aware of what to do when the alarm is set off from the tsunami sensors in Bonuan, Dagupan, Bolinao and other coastal areas of Pangasinan.

She warned that an 8.2 magnitude earthquake in the Manila Trench could trigger a tsunami as high as six to seven meters, and residents must immediately evacuate to buildings at least two-storeys high.

Mayor Belen Fernandez, who called the meeting, said aside from conducting tsunami evacuation drills in various barangays, the city government will renew its agreements with owners of high-rise residences, office buildings and schools to accommodate their neighbors when a tsunami hits.

Under the agreement, the city will provide compensation for any damage to privately-owned properties.

However, a proposed resolution filed on January 14, 2025 at the Sangguniang Panlungsod authorizing the mayor to sign a memorandum of agreement with owners of high-rise buildings concerning was referred to various committees and is expected to face prolonged hearings.

Fernandez said the evacuation centers in Barangays Salapingao, Bonuan Boquig and soon Pugaro, which are being completed, will not be enough to accommodate Dagupan residents fleeing from tsunami. (Leonardo Micua)

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments