Phivolcs chief: Intensity-8 quake possible in Luzon

MANILA, Philippines — The country's chief volcanologist urged local government units to be prepared for a possible major earthquake up to intensity 8 that may hit northern Luzon and some parts of the Cordillerea region.

Renato Solidum Jr., director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, said that local officials should "predict' the worst possible scenarios in preparing for a major seismic activity.

"Possible hazards and its effects in localities and the whole region must be imagined to craft and implement appropriate solutions," Solidum advised local officials.

He said the provinces of Cagayan, Quirino, Isabela and Nueva Vizcaya as well as eastern parts of Kalinga and Apayao in Cordillera region may experience the intense event that may trigger tsunamis as well as multiple hazards identified in the locations.

Snippet of active faults and trenches showing parts of Luzon. Phivolcs

Map showing tsunami inundation areas in Cagayan. Earthquake parameters: East Luzon Trench and the Manila Trench with magnitude of 8.2 or 8.3. Phivolcs

"Earthquakes are sudden onset events which can cause wide-spread impacts," Solidum said in a meeting Tuguegaro City last week, as reported by a state news outfit.

"LGUs should prepare and follow end to end early warning to local residents particularly those in areas that are at risk so they will take proper actions or response," he added.

An intensity 8 earthquake is considered "very destructive," according to the Phivolcs Intensity Scale. It may considerably damage many well-built buildings, foundations of bridges, utility posts and towers as well as mountains and hills. It may also cause the ground to be bent or broken, while people would find it difficult to go outdoors.

Solidum said that the regions' records show a long history of earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions.

He said Cagayan province suffered from a severe quake in 1690, destroying an old Spanish-built church in Tucalana, Lallo. Strong ground shaking also occurred in 1970 and 2000 in Cagayan.

Basco, Batanes also experienced a intense earthquake in 1918 and 2000.

"Appropriate preparedness, mitigation and response activities must be based on appropriate hazard and impact scenarios. Possible hazards and its effects in localities and the whole region must be imagined to craft and implement appropriate solutions," he said. . - Camille Diola