PHIVOLCS: China's early earthquake warning system is not applicable for 'Big One'

The early earthquake warning system used by China is not applicable for the "Big One"—the possible 7.2-magnitude earthquake tat could hit Metro Manila and nearby areas if the West Valley Fault moves.

According to a report by Katrina Son in GMA News TV's State of the Nation with Jessica Soho on Thursday, China uses this system which sends a warning signal to the public a couple of seconds before an earthquake hits an area.

It was developed after a magnitude 7.9 earthquake claimed around 80,000 lives in China in 2008.

This warning system works by using earthquake sensors, according to PHIVOLCS.

"You put sensors very near the source whether this is a fault or this is a trench meaning earthquake generator siya na nasa dagat. The closer you are to the earthquake generator, the less useful 'yung early warning device," said Ishmael Narag, OIC of the PHIVOLCS' Seismological Observation and Earthquake Division.

Narag, however, said that it is not suitable in the case of the still hypothetical 'Big One.'

"There's no way to apply this for the 'Big One' because with the 'Big One' andyan lang in our backyard 'yung source which is the valley fault so pag nagkaroon ng event, we have what, less than two seconds?" Narag said.

More than a million damaged residential structures and 34,000 deaths are projected should the 'Big One' hit Metro Manila, according to an expert.

Authorities said the extent of damage and number of casualties can still be reduced if the public will take preventive and precautionary measures.

On Thursday, the 2nd National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill was conducted in different parts of the country. — Dona Magsino/BAP, GMA News