Phivolcs warns of magnitude 8.2 quake along PH trenches

National

EARTHQUAKES reaching up to magnitude 8.2 could happen in the country’s six active trenches, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) warned.

These active trenches are the Philippine Trench (located from East Luzon to Southeast Mindanao), East Luzon Trough, Manila Trench, Negros Trench, Sulu Trench, and Cotabato Trench.

Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol issued the warning a day after a magnitude 7.8 offshore earthquake generated by the Cotabato Trench shook parts of Mindanao.

The quake was the strongest recorded in the Philippines so far this year.

Bacolcol noted that the strongest earthquake ever recorded in the country was the magnitude 8.1 tremor that struck Mindanao on Aug. 17, 1976.

In an interview with the Philippines News Agency, Bacolcol explained that the Cotabato Trench, which spans more than 300 kilometers, extends far beyond Cotabato province.

He emphasized that any area situated along an active trench could be affected by a powerful earthquake. He also urged residents in coastal communities to move immediately to higher ground after experiencing strong ground shaking.

Bacolcol identified three warning signs of a possible tsunami: strong ground shaking, a sudden rise or drop in sea level, and a roaring sound coming from the sea.

He urged residents to immediately evacuate to higher ground if any of these signs are observed.(Althea Alexis M. Dimasuhid, CNU Main Campus, BA Comm Intern)