Climate change shortens disaster cycles, complicating quake and tsunami readiness
The Office of Civil Defense warned that climate change is reducing the interval between major earthquakes and tsunamis, making preparation harder.
During a press conference for World Tsunami Awareness Day in Quezon City, the Office of Civil Defense highlighted that climate change is shortening the time between large-scale earthquakes and tsunamis, thereby tightening response windows. OCD-NCR director George Keyser explained that the frequency and intensity of such events have risen, and that a lax public perception of disaster risk remains the biggest obstacle to effective preparation.
He called for locally funded evacuation plans in Metro Manila to address potential road and communication disruptions after a quake. PHIVOLCS geologist Charmaine Villamil clarified that climate shifts do not trigger earthquakes but can worsen tsunami effects, resulting in taller waves. The United Nations marks November 5 as World Tsunami Awareness Day, urging community drills, and PHIVOLCS will host a tsunami-run event on October 24 in Pasay City.
Why it matters
Understanding climate impacts on disaster timing helps authorities and citizens improve safety measures.
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