The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) will deploy representatives from its regional offices to coordinate with local government units (LGUs) nationwide to intensify awareness on the use of engineering solutions to reduce casualties and minimize damage from massive earthquakes.

“We will be starting to reach out to various LGUs starting next week through our 17 OCD regional offices nationwide regarding our massive campaign to promote engineering solutions and strict compliance,” OCD administrator, Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, said in a statement late Sunday.

Nepomuceno noted that this would be done by citing the need for strict compliance with the safety provisions of the Structural Code of the Philippines and the prohibition of construction of houses in “no-build zones”.

“We are more on the preventive approach than sorry later to save thousands of lives,” he added.

The OCD chief also reiterated to the public that inadequate preparedness for big earthquakes could claim thousands of lives.

“While big earthquakes could kill thousands of people, the government, various sectors, and the entire nation can catch up to prevent these high-magnitude earthquakes from being deadly through comprehensive, well-planned, and strict implementation of preparedness measures,” he added.

Nepomuceno also expressed willingness to go beyond the usual “duck, cover, and hold” drills to prepare the country for the strong and deadly tremors.

Based on scientific research, including studies by the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake generated by the West Valley Fault System in the greater Metro Manila area can cause a death toll of 30,000 to 50,000 and some 100,000 seriously injured. (PNA)