Preparing for the Big One - MetroVan Independent News

The risk of a big catastrophic earthquake in British Columbia has been heightened the past months by seismologists. However, is BC and its residents mentally and physically prepared for “the big one”? The Philippine Consulate in Vancouver, BC, raised the alarm to various Filipino associations, societies, and groups at an important and informative event on November 29, hosted by the Consul General Neil Ferrer.

From left to right: Hon. Naomi Yamamoto, Luisa Marshall and Consul General Neil Ferrer. Photo Courtesy of Simply the Best – The Luisa Marshall Show.

Guest speaker, Hon. Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of State for Emergency Preparedness of British Columbia discussed how essential it is to be prepared in the event of a catastrophic earthquake and other natural calamities. “My greatest concern is that in the next fifty years, there’s a one in three chance, a 32% percent chance that we will have a 9 magnitude earthquake in this area,” said Yamamoto.

Fay Guinomma, Luisa Marshall and Consul General Neil Ferrer.

“We will have a catastrophic magnitude 9 earthquake off the coast on Vancouver Island and it’s where the cascade is and it will open like a zipper. You know that the predictions are that there will be loss of life in Vancouver. It could be 10,000 people.” Yamamoto added. The minister explained on how important it is to put together an emergency kit and not to forget all the necessary items such as water, flashlight, radio, food for at least 3 days and much more.

Survivor Mate Kit.

Consul General Ferrer recognized the efforts of Alvin Relleve (Barangay North Van) for initiating the earthquake safety awareness. “It is important for us to be prepared, to have contingency plans in place, to know the resources available to us to ensure our safety in an event of an emergency or disaster,” says Ferrer.

Leaders from various Filipino associations and societies attended.

For more information on earthquake survival, click on www.getprepared.gc.ca.