Friendly Observer "City's first eathquake"

Friendly Observer
By Arthur Keefe

City's first earthquake

                Many say nothing much happens in San Carlos. Well, the first earthquake in living memory has given us all something to talk about. The lack of experience and knowledge contributed to widespread panic, especially as most people had seen pictures of the Japanese tsunami last year, and were fearful the same could happen here.

                In fact, with the protection of nearby islands, this is extremely unlikely, and a relatively small quake as we experienced just off the coast, will cause high waves, but no catastrophic wave as in Japan and in Chile the previous year.

                It may sound strange to call this one small, but the one I experienced in Chile in 2010 was not only much stronger at magnitude 8.8 on the Richter scale in Santiago, but the epicenter was 400 kms. farther south and recorded 9.0. It also lasted for four minutes, caused a tsunami which killed 600 on groups of islands and certainly terrified me in my fourth floor apartment!

Who’s to blame?

                This is not to diminish in any way the sorrow we all feel for those living farther south in Negros who have lost loved ones and homes. However, even there we have to ask yet again why people are allowed to build their homes on land which is clearly unstable and at risk of disaster. I hope that sorrow can turn to constructive anger at the failure of local government yet again. An earthquake where no fault line is known cannot be predicted, but other factors, such as prolonged rain, can have the same effect, as we see so often.

                Of course, it is not the better off, but the poor who always suffer.

This woman drags all her belongings and the goods she sells along the Translink Highway. The 'tsunami scare' triggered her panic Exodus.

Inspection first

                Here in San Carlos, the city is prudent in closing schools to allow for careful inspection of structures and any remedial work needed.

                I was less reassured by Unitop's decision to remain open, even while urgent repairs were being undertaken. Wooden poles supporting structural steel guides did not inspire confidence, but maybe just precautionary and I assume an engineer has given the all clear.

                However, removing bags of rubble while customers were going in and out did raise doubts in my mind.

Inspiring stories

                As so often in the Philippines, tragedy and hardship also show people at their best. The reports of the tireless work of rescuers and medical staff in Guihulngan are inspiring. Doctors, nurses and others from this city have gone to help.

                I was surprised when I went to buy my pandesal to see empty cabinets. I was told it had all been bought to take to the affected areas.

                Voluntary aid via NGOs and immediate grants from neighboring areas will all make the task of rescue and recovery so much easier.

                I do find it strange how indifference to poverty and hardship which stains so much of Philippine life, can so quickly turn to empathy, pity, and generosity when tragedy strikes.If only these same Communitarian, and as an atheist, I will include Christian principles, could be expressed in the good times as well as the sad times.