PHIVOLCS: Lanao quake hit Intensity VII

Reports of damage from Wednesday morning's Magnitude 6 quake in Lanao del Sur prompted government seismologists to post its intensity at a "destructive" Level VII.

Whereas Magnitude refers to the strength of the quake itself, Intensity refers to its effects on people and on the ground.

PHIVOLCS seismologists expanded their list of reported intensities to include Level VII in Wao, Lanao del Sur, and Kalilangan, Bukidnon.

The PHIVOLCS Earthquake Intensity Scale explains an Intensity VII quake as "destructive," possibly inflicting considerable damage on old or poorly-built structures and possible slight damage to even well-built structures. There is also the danger of some liquefaction and landslides.

Damage to structures, power outage

Around the epicenter of the quake in Wao, Lanao del Sur, at least 30 houses and other public structures were damaged, and power was cut off.

The local government of Lanao del Sur said two buildings collapsed in Barangay Sumungot and two hectares of corn and coffee farms were hit by a landslide.

The provincial government also reported that the quake had created cracks in the national highway of Amai Manabilang town.

Cracks were also seen in the walls of two mosques in Barangay Salam and Barnagay Frankfort following the quake.

No casualties were reported as of this posting.

'Big One' in NCR still imminent

Meanwhile, PHIVOLCS said that the recent string of quakes across the Philippines are not related to the West Valley Fault System (WVFS) that cuts through Metro Manila which experts warn will generate a devastating temblor, dubbed "The Big One."

"Pagdating po sa Metro Manila, walang koneksyon yung lindol na nangyari at 5:21 a.m. sa Wao, Lanao del Sur at walang connection ang paggalaw sa Batangas sa West Valley Fault System (WVFS), kung saan manggagaling ang posibleng malakas na lindol na makaaapekto sa National Capital Region," PHIVOLCS director Renato Solidum said on GMA News TV's Unang Balita.

However, while Solidum said that the series of quakes are not related to the Big One, he also urged people in Metro Manila should be prepared at all times. — GMA News