Many casualties if earthquake in Abra hit NCR — PHIVOLCS

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said there would be more casualties if the magnitude 7 earthquake that occurred in Abra would take place in densely populated areas like the National Capital Region (NCR), according to Joseph Morong’s “24 Oras” report on Thursday.

“If it were in densely populated area like Metro Manila, I’m sure maraming casualties. The term ‘The Big One’ was originally coined for magnitude 7.2 earthquake that would be generated by the West Valley Fault,” PHIVOLCS Deputy Director Teresito Bacolcol said.

If the West Valley Fault in Metro Manila will move, it can create a 7.2 magnitude earthquake.

PHIVOLCS earlier said at least 35,000 casualties would be recorded and almost 100,000 people would be injured, and the possible cost of damage is P2.3 trillion.

The West Valley Fault is far from the Abra River Fault that caused the magnitude 7 earthquake on Wednesday morning.

“Wala siyang effect, malayo yung generator (It has no effect, it was far from the generator),” Bacolcol said.

PHIVOLCS said Cebu and Davao also have earthquake faults but not as long as the West Valley Fault.

The active fault in Cebu is the Bogo Fault Line, which is capable of producing a 6.3 magnitude earthquake.

Davao has five earthquake faults that are side by side and only short ones. The most active fault is the Lacson Fault Line, which can produce a 6.8 magnitude earthquake.

There have been strong earthquakes recorded in Cebu and Davao before. However, the PHIVOLCS said it is not expected to be as severe as the feared “The Big One.”

“Hindi ganoon kasi of course mas maraming tao sa Metro Manila (It is not intense because of course many people are in Metro Manila), and the fault that transcends Metro Manila is capable of generating a higher magnitude earthquake,” Bacolcol said.

In 1924, a magnitude 8 earthquake jolted Davao but it was deep and far from the surface.

“Matataas yung magnitude but they are on the deeper part. Kahapon its on 15 kilometers from the surface mas madaling ma-shake yung nasa ibabaw,” Bacolcol said.

(The magnitude is high but they are on the deeper part. Yesterday, it was 15 kilometers from the surface, it was greatly felt because it was near the surface.)

PHIVOLCS said it is safer to duck, hold, and cover instead of rushing out of the house or building during an earthquake.

“Pero if you are very sure na the building is properly constructed dapat kampante ka, so the building will just sway. Masisikip na area na wala namang matataas na building, you still do the duck, cover, and hold and you go to an open space. The danger that a debris will fall on you would be less kasi kung wala namang matataas na buildings,” Bacolcol said.  -- Richa Noriega/BAP, GMA News