Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada has instructed his people to check dormitories and buildings around the University Belt for structural integrity and whether it could withstand a strong tremor. Estrada’s proactive directive comes after last week’s 7.2-magnitude earthquake in the Visayas damaged heritage sites like the country’s olest church, in Cebu City.
In a statement, city administrator Simeon Garcia said the inspection team, which he heads, began the work on Monday.
He said it was important for the team to check the buildings’ foundations and determine whether these need to undergo retrofitting or rehabilitation. He vowed to recommend the closure of any structure should the team find it in bad shape.
Photo: Aldrinv (Wikimedia Commons)
