Phivolcs conducts ground assessment in Cebu City

CEBU, Philippines - Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) started yesterday a ground shaking assessment in Cebu City to identify possible areas with loose soil composition. 

The survey kicked-off at  Fuente Osmeña Circle, Bulacao, Basak Pardo, Labangon, Sambag Uno, and Ramos.

The team headed by Dr. Rhomel Grutas together with five other Phivolcs personnel will place seismic device in six different areas every day until January 21.

Grutas added that one month after the completion of the assessment they can provide local government units and private sectors the ground shaking hazards map, which include areas that are studied with soft layers of soil and prone to liquefaction.

Grutas said the portable seismometer, which they brought from Manila will determine the seismic vibrations and movements underground. The equipment can penetrate two kilometers underneath and two kilometers in radius.

The portable seismometer is capable of measuring the motions of the ground particularly the seismic waves generated by earthquake, natural noise, velocity and other seismic-related movements which can be detected through its sensor.

Grutas said that they are doing the study as a request project of the city government considering the massive damages in infrastructures during the powerful earthquake last year.

The study which was piloted in Manila will also help investors determine and evaluate where to construct buildings to ensure safety.

“With the event sa Bohol (earthquake) malaki rin ang damages sa Cebu, yun ang aalamin natin. Ang signs and characteristics sa malambot and makapal na soil. Gaano ito kakapal at kalambot,” Grutas explained.

After identifying the areas, Phivolcs and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council of Cebu City will make a plan on what would be the next action to take.— (FREEMAN)