Angeles City (CNN Philippines) — The Clark International Airport should be ready in case a big disaster hits Metro Manila, according to Director Renato Solidum of the Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
In his visit to Angeles City last Tuesday (August 11), Solidum said a magnitude 7.2 earthquake in Metro Manila might affect the operations of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). So nearby airports, such as Clark, must be capable of accepting many diverted flights.
Aside from an earthquake, Solidum said an explosion of Taal Volcano might bring thick ash fall in the skies of the National Capital Region, specifically nearby NAIA, that might result in zero visibility and could stop the airport’s operations – thus highlighting the need for Clark to be prepared in such situations.
According to the Clark International Airport Corp., it’s operating on a 24-hour basis and is always ready to accept flight diversions in case of an emergency.
Meanwhile, Pampanga Rep. Oscar Rodriguez filed House Resolution No. 2110 entitled “A Resolution Calling for the Serious and Comprehensive Study of the Proposal to Decongest Metro Manila, Both as a Disaster Mitigation Strategy and a Strategy to Enhance the Equitable Distribution of Development and Inclusive Growth to All Other Regions.”
Rodriguez cited the risks and the projected thousands of casualties, as well as the P2.5 trillion economic losses, if the “Big One” hits Metro Manila.
According to the lawmaker, relocation of vital offices in Central Luzon could straighten the national disaster mitigation response strategy, as well as the rapid expansion of the economic growth.
