PHIVOLCS: Small houses near the epicenter are more affected by earthquakes

Many people think that tall buildings can easily crumble caused by earthquakes, such as the recent 6.3 magnitude temblor that shook Southern Mindanao.

According to Renato Solidum, Jr., the Undersecretary for Disaster Risk Reduction- Climate Change Adaptation at the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), smaller houses made with weaker material are more affected by strong earthquakes, especially if they are close to the epicenter. 

“The fact is, there are a lot of small houses built with weak material in Cotabato. In areas affected with an Intensity 7 earthquake, structures can crumble and small houses can get destroyed,” Solidum said, in a report on State of the Nation with Jessica Soho on Wednesday.

Solidum also added that areas affected by low-intensity earthquakes that register below 6 and 7 magnitudes, won’t have much damage.

“[The people in those areas] can go back. On the other hand, if these people live near the epicenter, they need to check if their houses and buildings are damaged. If not, they can go back inside,” he said.

The agency employs the “Drop, Cover and Hold” safety measures during earthquakes for protection during evacuation. — BAP, GMA News