In preparation for the possible movement of the Valley Fault System that may jolt the Greater Metro Manila Area (GMMA) within this lifetime, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has identified evacuation camps and centers across the metropolis.
Metro Manila is divided into four quadrants for better evacuation and rescue operations among residents. Operation centers and staging areas that will serve as evacuation camps are also pointed out in the contingency plan of MMDA.
Athletic fields, memorial parks, sports arenas, churches and gymnasiums of Local Government Units (LGU’s) will also be used as evacuation centers in the Metro Manila and nearby cities and provinces. Pasig River will also serve as an alternate route for rescue and relief personnel in the event that bridges in the capital city are destroyed by the huge quake.
The earthquake, projected in having a 7.2 magnitude may collapse 500,000 houses and damage over 300 buildings. According to studies done by PHIVOLCS and other agencies, the West Valley Fault’s 100-kilometer length traverses through Rizal, Marikina, Quezon City, Pasig, Makati, Taguig, Muntinlupa and Laguna. Moreover, 35% of the population inhabiting the said areas lives right above this fault line.
Though predictions are alarming, they do not aim to cause panic. The warnings are meant to properly prepare the public in case the earthquake occurs. Though no machine can predict when this hazard will strike, in this lifetime or in the next, it’s still best to be ready than not, because the human cost of this quake is far too heavy to ignore.
Still good news today as there is no weather disturbance monitored outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). Even Dolphin continues to move farther,l no longer threatening the country. PAGASA Weather Forecaster Meno Mendoza said the Philippines will remain “bagyo-free” within the next three days. However, all are still advised to monitor updates from the weather bureau.
The ridge or the extended part of high pressure area (HPA) prevails over the PAR, extending over Luzon. Generally fair weather will be experienced over the whole archipelago aside from the isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening.
Today, temperatures are as high as what we have experienced yesterday. The highest range will be in Metro Manila with 26 to 35 degrees Celsius. In Metro Cebu, temperature could rise up to 33 degrees Celsius while Metro Davao can expect 26 to 33 degrees Celsius.
However, the heat index is much higher than the actual air temperature. Heat index indicates how warm the body feels when the air temperature and the relative humidity are combined. People in Metro Manila must brace for a blazing 39.9 degrees Celsius heat index. Metro Cebu has 38.8 degrees Celsius while Metro Davao can expect 38.5 degrees Celsius.
NASA: Ozone hole continues to shrink
Based on the latest study from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the ozone hole is decreasing in size. The ozone is a gas made up of three oxygen atoms which naturally occurs in small amounts in the upper atmosphere or the stratosphere.
Ozone protects life on Earth from the ultraviolet radiation from the Sun. In the atmosphere near the Earth’s surface, ozone is created by chemical reactions between air pollutants. At the ground level, high concentrations of ozone are toxic to people and plants.
Mendoza said the ozone hole has gotten smaller due to the absence or lack of chlorine, changes in temperature and wind patterns. NASA said this ozone hole could become smaller in 2040 and will completely disappear by 2100.
The country remains “bagyo-free” today as the ridge of the high pressure area continues to be the dominant weather system particularly affecting Luzon. Most parts of the archipelago will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated thunderstorms mostly in the afternoon or evening. Light to moderate winds will prevail throughout the country bringing slight to moderate seas.
Yesterday was a scorching day as the temperatures soared mostly over the areas of Luzon. Tuguegarao topped the list again, at 37.3 degrees Celsius.
Meanwhile, the weather bureau continuously monitors the dry spell and droughts in some areas of the Philippines. Dry spell is defined as three consecutive months of below normal rainfall condition, while a drought is defined as three consecutive months of way below the normal rainfall condition. Based on the El Nino Advisory No.3, these are the areas affected by the two:
PAGASA added that the month of May marks the weakening of the easterlies and the gradual onset of the southwest monsoon wind. The start of the rainy season is expected in mid-June.
On May 18, 2015, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) launched Atlas, the detailed map of the active faults traversing the Greater Metro Manila Area (GMMA) and nearby provinces. This handbook with 33 map sheets was also distributed to city planners and local government officials from cities and towns crossed by the Valley Fault System (VFS) to help them draft more comprehensive emergency plans and proper zoning ordinances.
VFS includes the West and the East Valley Faults. The West Valley Fault is approximately 100 kilometers long and can generate a 7.2 magnitude quake in densely populated cities. This is as catastrophic as the quakes that shook Nepal just a month ago and Bohol in 2013.
The West Valley Fault spans from Bulacan to Cavite. According to studies, it moved four times in the last 1,400 years with an interval of 200 to 400 years. Its last recorded earthquake was in 1658 or 357 years ago, making its next movement possible in this lifetime. And if this happens, over 34,000 people may perish, 100,000 people may be injured, and an additional 18,000 lives will be at risk due to fire incidents. With a projection of P2.3 trillion cost of damage, it is indeed the greatest threat that can paralyze not only our capital city, but also the entire nation.
AREAS TRAVERSED BY THE WEST VALLEY FAULT:
• Bulacan (Doña Remedios, Trinidad, Norzagaray, San Jose del Monte)
• Rodriguez, Rizal
• Marikina
• Quezon City
• Pasig
• Taguig
• Makati
• Muntinlupa
• Laguna (San Pedro, Biñan, Sta. Rosa, Cabuyao, Calamba)
• Cavite (Carmona, General Mariano Alvarez, Silang)
Meanwhile, the East Valley Fault, which transects the municipalities of Rodriguez and San Mateo in Rizal Province, can generate a jolting 6.2 quake.
Metro Manila was divided into 22 scale maps and uses 1:5,000. On the other hand, Laguna and Cavite with 10 map sheets use 1:10,000, while Bulacan with one map sheet uses 1:50,000. These maps pinpoint the location of active faults, fissures, and the overlapping of both, whether or not they are covered by man-made or natural obstructions.
The atlas can be viewed and downloaded from the official website of PHIVOLCS.
Watch the video below to know how we can prepare for major quakes:
Generally fair weather welcomes another week as the ridge of the high pressure area (HPA) continues to extend over Luzon. Still, the whole country can also expect isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening. Sea travellers can enjoy their travel due to the light to moderate winds and slight to moderate sea conditions.
PAGASA Weather Forecaster Buddy Javier said no weather disturbance is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) within the next 3 days. Dolphin no longer poses threat to the country as it continues to move farther away from the boundary.
Meanwhile, during the 2nd half of the month, Javier added that warm weather is more likely to continue. Temperatures will remain high as we are still in the peak of “tag-init”. Yesterday, the highest temperature crawled up to 36.7 degrees Celsius in Tuguegarao City.
Associated with the high temperature is the heat index which indicates how warm a human body feels when the air temperature is combined with the relative humidity. Because a high heat index can lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion or even heat stroke, PAGASA regularly provides a heat index forecast in the key cities of the country.
Metro Manila should prepare for very warm weather this Monday as the highest temperature could reach 36 degrees Celsius, with heat index escalating to 40.1 degrees Celsius. Metro Cebu’s expected highest temperature is 32 degrees Celsius which could result to a heat index of 39.2 degrees Celsius. For Metro Davao, temperature could be as high as 33 degrees Celsius so the heat index might reach 37.9 degrees Celsius.
To avoid human discomfort brought by the heat index, PAGASA recommends the following tips:
1) Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor of the house, away from the sunshine.
2) Wear lightweight and light colored clothing as light colors will reflect the sun’s energy.
3) The body needs water to keep cool so drink plenty of water regularly.
4) Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. Avoid drinking liquor because it dehydrates the body.
5) Eat small frequent meals but avoid food with high protein content which can increase the metabolic heat.
The ridge of High Pressure Area (HPA) continues to bring sunny weather in the country. PAGASA Weather Forecaster Glaiza Escullar explained that the HPA is an area where the atmospheric pressure is relatively high. This weather system is usually associated with good weather conditions.
Meanwhile, there are possible occurrences of thunderstorms in the country. Localized thunderstorms are most likely to happen in the afternoon or evening.
Read more: THUNDERSTORM: Is it normal during “tag-init”?
Today, it is important to keep ourselves hydrated because according to PAGASA, Metro Manila’s forecast heat index may reach up to 40.6 degree Celsius.
Free Admission: National Museum
As we celebrate the National Heritage Month, various museums in the country, including the National Museum, will have free admission. Take advantage of this offer and bring your whole family to view our nation’s treasures.
Typhoon Dolphin is no longer expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility.
According to PAGASA Weather Forecaster Buddy Javier, the said weather disturbance is set to recurve as the presence of the High Pressure Area above the Philippines hinders its supposed entry into the country’s eastern boundary.
Today, the Ridge of High Pressure Area reaching Luzon brings partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms usually occurring in the afternoon or evening. The same weather condition is expected to persist this weekend.
Meanwhile, the El Nino phenomenon is expected to persist in the northern hemisphere until the end of 2015. Based on the latest data of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the sea surface temperature anomaly continues in the equatorial Pacific.
In the Philippines, the persistence of the said phenomenon will incur below normal rainfall, above normal temperatures and weak tropical cyclone activity.
The Hot and Dry season is the perfect time to indulge in outdoor activities. But the longer we stay under the sun, the more we sweat—resulting to the loss of our body fluids.
This May, we need to be more vigilant, especially since according to PAGASA, the hottest days of the year are experienced this month, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 37 degrees Celsius.
When not properly hydrated, we are more susceptible to health complications such as heat stroke, exhaustion and heat cramps. To replenish electrolytes and fluids in our body, we need to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water, and supplement with water-rich fruits.
Papaya
Why it’s good for you:
According to the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), Papaya is a water-rich fruit that’s a good source of antioxidants such as folic acid, fiber, carotene and Vitamin E. Antioxidants promote the health of the cardiovascular system and prevent heart attacks. Papaya also contains vitamins C, which boosts the immune system.
Choose it fresh:
FNRI suggests looking for firm and unblemished skins of papaya. Choose those with yellow-orange skins—an indication of the fruits’ ripeness.
Watermelon
Why it’s good for you:
92% of a watermelon is water. It is also a good source of vitamin A, which helps maintain good eyesight, and healthy skin and hair. According to FNRI, recent studies reveal that watermelons contain lycopene that prevents heart disease.
Choose it fresh:
Watermelon should be firm, symmetrical and free of scars. The skin of ripe watermelons should be dark green. Since, it contains 92% water, it should be relatively heavy for its size.
Mangoes
Why it’s good for you:
The Philippines takes the 7th spot on the list of major mango-producing countries in the world. According to the National Mango Research and Development Center, we’re also the 6th most prolific exporter of fresh mangoes.
Mangoes are terrific sources of beta-carotene, and vitamins C, B6, E, K and A. They are also rich in potassium and magnesium, niacin, folate and thiamin that contribute to overall health.
You may even be surprised that mangoes can cure acne by opening the clogged pores of the skin. Once the pores are opened, acne formation will gradually stop. Just apply mango pulp on the skin for 10 minutes and rinse it off. Do this on a regular basis.
Choose fresh:
In choosing fresh mangoes, try to squeeze the mango gently; a ripe mango will give slightly. Go for mangoes with a fruity aroma at their stem ends.
Pineapple
Why it’s good for you:
The health benefits of pineapples have been acknowledge throughout Central and South America. They’re rich in Vitamin C, an anti-oxidant that cleanses our body from harmful free radicals.
Pineapples also promote healthy skin. Bromelain is an enzyme found in this tangy fruit, which contribute to skin renewal. And did you know that pineapples can even cure sore throat? Bromelain is also anti-inflammatory, and sore throat is often due to the inflammation of tracheal muscles.
Choose fresh:
Choose plump pineapples with firm bodies and fresh green leaves at the crown. Remember that the color of this fruit’s outer shell is not a good indicator of its maturity or ripeness.
So, this month, don’t just drink up; also remember to eat up the freshest fruits in season. This way, you get your fill of fluids, vitamins and minerals in a delicious, refreshing way!
The tropical storm with international name “Dolphin” continues to intensify as it moves over the Pacific Ocean. Dolphin is a cyclone name contributed by Hongkong, referring to the white dolphin found in its waters. When a tropical storm is still outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), it is called by its international name but once it enters our boundary, it will then be given a local name. Dolphin is expected to enter the PAR by weekend and will be named “Egay.”
PAGASA Weather Forecaster Alvin Pura said this tropical storm will possibly intensify further before reaching the PAR. However, the latest models show that Dolphin will not make landfall but will re-curve instead. Thus, there is a slim chance for it to hit the landmass. Still, continuous monitoring is still a must.
As of now, Dolphin is still too far to directly affect the country. The ridge or the extended part of a high pressure area (HPA) prevails as the dominant weather system within the PAR today. Generally fair weather will be experienced in most parts of the country aside from the possible isolated rain showers or thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening.
On the other hand, rain showers and thunderstorms have frequently occured during the past few days. Many have asked if the rainy season has already begun. Pura said we often experience rains due to the localized thunderstorms, which are just normal during May. Related article: THUNDERSTORM: Is it normal during “tag-init”?
Meanwhile, the hot and dry season is still on. NAIA Parañaque felt the highest temperature yesterday. Here are the top 5 highest temperatures recorded by PAGASA:
Powerful earthquake strikes Japan
Aside from the strong quake felt yesterday in Nepal, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake jolted Northeastern Japan early this morning. The US Geological Survey located the epicenter at 33 kilometers southeast of Ofunato, Japan with a depth of 38.9 kilometers, equivalent to 24.1 miles. Reports said train services were temporarily suspended after the quake.
