Mindanao quake exposes Philippines’ vulnerability to ‘Big One’ tremor in Metro Manila

A powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck southern Mindanao on Monday morning served as a stark reminder of the Philippines’ vulnerability to a major quake in Metro Manila, disaster experts said.The tremor, which triggered tsunami warnings along the southern coast, left collapsed buildings, damaged homes and debris-strewn streets in its wake. At least 19 people were killed and more than 130 injured, with scores still missing, local disaster authorities said.For disaster planners, the destruction offered a glimpse of the stakes for the capital. Metro Manila sits along the West Valley Fault, a major fault running about 100km through the eastern city and neighbouring provinces. Scientists say it could produce a magnitude 7.2 earthquake – the so-called Big One – based on its size and past activity, with the last major rupture believed to have occurred in the mid-1600s.