PHILIPPINE Red Cross chairman & CEO Richard “Dick” J. Gordon underscored the importance of safety in the aftermath of earthquakes in Taiwan and Japan in two consecutive days.

“Safety should always take precedence. We cannot compromise safety because if we do not exercise caution, we could lose everything: our homes, our jobs, or our loved ones,” Gordon said.

He described the 7.2-magnitude earthquake in Taiwan yesterday that caused a tsunami alert that was later canceled in the Philippines and the 6.0-maginitude quake that jolted Japan this morning as a “clarion call for everyone to always be prepared”.

Gordon also noted that being exposed to fires, earthquakes and other disasters could result in “insecurity” that can cripple one’s ability to respond and “could affect one’s home, livelihood, employment or even the schooling of children”.

“It is good that Taiwan has stringent construction standards which saved its people from the tremor yesterday. Advanced chips used for defense, television systems and many others were put at risk due to the earthquake,” he said.

Taiwan reported nine people dead from the earthquake, which was described as the strongest tremor to hit the county in 25 years.

PRC instills preparedness among Filipinos by training interested individuals and organizations on safety. From January 2024 to April 3, 2024, PRC has trained 32,030 individuals – 15,015 of which are men and 16,106 are women.

At the same time, Gordon reiterates his concern over the people in Taiwan following the 7.4 quake that struck the country on Wednesday.

“Our hearts go out to the people of Taiwan as they grapple with the aftermath of the recent 7.4 magnitude earthquake. Our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods in this tragic event.

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Arlene Rivera