Manila: Office of Civil Defense (OCD) administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno on Wednesday extended his sympathies to the victims of the 6.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Taiwan. The earthquake that jolted the island shortly after midnight Tuesday resulted in 27 injuries, triggered landslides, and caused significant destruction to homes.

According to Philippines News Agency, Nepomuceno expressed his condolences, stating, ‘Our sincerest sympathies are with the earthquake victims in Taiwan. We offer our prayers as they recover from the damage and distress caused by this natural disaster.’ He emphasized the shared vulnerability of both Taiwan and the Philippines to natural disasters due to their locations along the edges of tectonic plates near the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Nepomuceno highlighted the solidarity between the two nations, acknowledging Taiwan’s progress in disaster resilience efforts since the 1999 earthquake. ‘As a nation also vulnerable to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, we stand in solidarity with Taiwan in promoting disaster resilience. We commend their significant progress in coping with earthquakes since the tragic 1999 tremor,’ he remarked.

The OCD chief urged Filipinos to enhance their disaster preparedness, emphasizing individual responsibility in ensuring safety. ‘Disasters can strike at any moment. It is crucial that we level up our preparedness. Remember, your safety does not solely depend on rescuers or government agencies – it is your responsibility. Take action now, because every ounce of preparation counts,’ he advised.

Nepomuceno praised Taiwan’s implementation of advanced measures, including the enhancement of building codes for quake-resistant construction and the establishment of an early warning system to alert the public of severe ground shaking. He expressed optimism about the Philippines’ progress in building disaster resilience, citing acknowledgment from a top UN disaster risk official. ‘We may still have a long way to go, but we will get there through united efforts to build a disaster-resilient Philippines. A top UN disaster risk official has even acknowledged our strides, indicating we are on the right track,’ he added.