Crisis Management for a Conflict with North Korea

The Manila Times | English | News | Nov. 7, 2025 | Natural Disasters

The Philippines ranks first globally on the World Risk Index, reflecting its extreme vulnerability to natural hazards, particularly earthquakes such as the anticipated magnitude 7.2 "Big One" from the West Valley Fault. Since 2004, the government has mandated quarterly Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drills (NSED) to promote survival knowledge and response protocols. These drills are shown to be effective in building “muscle memory” for people to react quickly during seismic events, improving individual confidence and reducing panic. They also help identify issues in emergency systems such as malfunctioning alarms and poor interagency coordination.

Despite these benefits, drill effectiveness is hindered by complacency and lack of realism. Predictable, announced drills often lead participants to treat them as routine or unimportant, limiting genuine preparedness. Simulations rarely capture the complex and prolonged nature of a major urban disaster like the "Big One," and many local governments lack resources for comprehensive drills or technical training. Moreover, while institutional awareness is high, household-level preparedness remains insufficient, with many communities lacking essential emergency supplies and hazard-secured homes.

Earthquake drills are necessary but not sufficient for true disaster resilience. To enhance impact, drills should be held at varied, unexpected times and incorporate realistic conditions such as nighttime scenarios. Linking drill outcomes to local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) funds would ensure that identified vulnerabilities are addressed through mitigation projects. Expanding community-based training is essential to improve family-level preparedness and complement institutional efforts. Ultimately, sustained collaboration between the government and communities is crucial for reducing disaster impact before an earthquake strikes.