‘Metro subway to survive earthquake’

MANILA, Philippines — The P357-billion Metro Manila Subway will be safe in case of an earthquake in the metropolis, the head of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) assured the public yesterday.

Science Undersecretary and Phivolcs director Renato Solidum Jr. said no segment of the subway would cross the West Valley Fault, which Phivolcs warned is “ripe” for a major quake.

“The planning of the alignment of the Metro Manila Subway took into consideration the location of the West Valley Fault. The DOTr (Department of Transportation) and Japanese consultants consulted with Phivolcs to make sure that the proposed alignment does not cross the fault. They also obtained other earthquake-related hazards information and maps,” Solidum said in a text message to The STAR.

He said underground railway structures are more earthquake-resistant as they move with the ground compared with elevated rail platforms.

Solidum stressed the importance of proper engineering measures to minimize the effects of earthquake shaking.

He said Japan, an earthquake-prone country, has a good track record in designing earthquake-resistant rail structures.

The Metro Manila Subway is the first underground railway in the country.