Metro Manila Earthquake Vulnerability Assessment, 2019

Executive Summary

The PSA Special Report: Metro Manila Earthquake Vulnerability Assessment is a report on the effect of a major earthquake in Metro Manila and the estimated number of casualties and cost of damages that it could incur. Discussed in detail are case studies of previous major earthquakes in the country and likely scenarios and outcomes in the aftermath of a major earthquake in the Metro Manila area, including: infrastructure damage, emergency response capacity, law and order in affected areas, as well as the possibility of regional separation as a result of collapsed buildings, elevated highways and bridges, and damaged roads and fires rendering portions of the city inaccessible from other areas.  

While PSA Philippines Consultancy is not a geoscience think-tank nor has members with a geology background, the information on this report is based on open-source media and PSA’s experience on business resilience and continuity. PSA Philippines Consultancy is a business risk consultancy that has been advising safety and security in the private sector in the Philippines for approximately 20 years.

The information on this report is based on major studies covering the possibility of a major earthquake striking in the vicinity of Metro Manila, namely: