As Metro Manila braces for a possible “major” earthquake, state seismologists have warned of similar scenarios in other parts of the country, such as the Negros Trench, where a magnitude 8.2 quake could hit.
“Nakafocus tayo sa [We’re focused on] The ‘Big One’ in Metro Manila because, basically, it is the political seat of the government and the economic center of the country,” Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) director Teresito C. Bacolcol said during the Handa Pilipinas press conference held in Bacolod City on Monday.
“But then, Nakakalimutan Natin [we forget] There are also larger ones in other parts of the country…the Negros Trench (example) is capable of producing a magnitude 8.2 event based on its length of about 400 kilometers.
In the event of the “Big One” hitting Negros Island, Mr. Bacolcol said, if its epicenter occurs in a shallow area, it could trigger a tsunami that could hit the western coastlines of Negros Island as well as areas of Panay Island, Zamboanga and Palawan.
During a tsunami, residents of affected coastlines and neighboring areas are advised to immediately move to higher ground. Mr Baikolkol said previous local tsunami events had shown that it would take only five minutes for the tsunami wave to hit the coast after the main shock.
Besides the large ones in Negros and Manila, Mr. Bacolod said other active trenches could also trigger similar events, particularly along the Philippine Trench.
Phivolcs said there are a total of six active trenches in the country.
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. clarified that “Big One” events are not predictions, but rather possible scenarios based on available data.
Mr Solidum said these scenarios were being used to help vulnerable areas better prepare for a potentially strong and destructive earthquake.
Blazela Mae L., Provincial Director of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. In Siquijor, an island province in the Negros island region, it wants to prepare for a “large-scale earthquake” by looking at the structural integrity of buildings and conducting extensive earthquake drills, Omictin said.
“We do earthquake drills; we do them in schools, then in local barangays and in every municipality in coordination with our local disaster risk management office,” Ms. Omictin said during the press conference.
The PHIVOLCS director nevertheless reminded the public to always be prepared for the possibility of a “major incident” in various areas of the country. , Age Adrian A Eva
