Authorities have identified 60 barangays in Davao City that could be affected if any of the five active fault lines under the Davao Central Fault System move, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

These five active faults include the Lacson Fault, Pangyan-Biao Escuela Fault, Tamugan Fault, Dacudao Fault, and New Carmen Fault.

Once the 33-kilomter Lacson Fault moves, the barangays that could be affected include Lacson, Malagos, Calinan, Wangan, Subasta, Balengaeng, Los Amigos, Angalan, Tugbok, Mintal, Bago Oshiro, Banka Heights, Baliok, and Lubogan.

The barangays along the Pangyan-Biao Escuela Fault include Lumiad, Paquibato, Pañalum, Malabog, Sumimao, Dominga,

Dacudao, Pangyan, Talandang, Biao Joaquin, Biao Escuela, Biao Guianga, and Matina Biao. This fault could generate a magnitude 6.8 earthquake.

The 25-kilometer Tamugan Fault could also generate a magnitude 6.7 quake. Barangays that could be affected include Tamugan, Gumalang, Malago, Baguio, Cawayan, Subasta, Tagakpan, Manambulan, Mulig, Camansi, Alambre, Tagluno, Lizada, Sirawan, and Binugao.

Authorities also said the 18-kilometer Dacudao Fault could produce a magnitude 6.5 earthquake, affecting the barangays of Lamanan, Lacson, Dacudao, Calinan, Talomo River, Riverside, Los Amigos, Ula, Tugbok, Mintal, Sto. Niño, Catalunan Grande, Catalunan Pequeño, and Talomo.

Meanwhile, a magnitude 6.3 earthquake could be generated if the New Carmen Fault moves, potentially affecting New Valencia, New Carmen, Matina Biao, and Langub.

Authorities said these faults are classified as reverse faults, meaning they have not moved for a long time but could generate strong and destructive earthquakes once reactivated.

During the “Walk the Fault” activity in November 2023, fault traces in the city were marked to help residents identify high-risk areas.

“This is the trace of the fault dapat may 5 meters na buffer zone,” PHIVOLCS Supervising Science Research Specialist, Jeff Perez, said.

Authorities added that while ground shaking itself is dangerous, the collapse of weak structures and falling debris cause most fatalities during earthquakes. Hence, compliance with the National Building Code is crucial for safety.

“Kung ang bahay niyo ay six inches ang hollow blocks 10mm ang bakal tapos every 3 meters may poste kung sakaling may intensity 8 di yan masisira,” Perez added.