Magnitude 8.2 Quake Possible Along Six Active Trenches In Philippines - Phivolcs

MANILA, June 9 (Bernama-PNA) -- All areas located along the six active trenches in the Philippines could experience an earthquake of up to 8.2 in magnitude, the head of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Tuesday, Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported.

These trenches are the Philippine Trench (located from East Luzon to Southeast Mindanao); East Luzon Trough; Manila Trench; Negros Trench; Sulu Trench; and Cotabato Trench, Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol told the PNA in an interview.

A magnitude 7.8 offshore Sarangani earthquake jolted parts of Mindanao last Monday and was generated by the Cotabato Trench.

Bacolcol confirmed that it was so far the strongest quake in the Philippines this year.

However, the strongest recorded earthquake is still the magnitude 8.1 in Mindanao on Aug 17, 1976.

While one may wonder why the epicentre was not in Cotabato, Bacolcol said, “Cotabato Trench is the name, but it is actually long, more than 300 kilometres long.”

He said any place located along an active trench could possibly experience a very strong earthquake.

Because earthquakes can occur without warning, Bacolcol advised coastal communities to immediately evacuate to higher ground when a strong tremor strikes.

“People living in coastal communities should know the natural signs of impending local tsunamis,” he said.

Bacolcol mentioned three signs of an upcoming tsunami – strong shaking, a sudden drop or rise in sea level and a roaring sound coming from the sea.

“If any of these signs are observed, then they should evacuate immediately to a higher place,” he said.

-- BERNAMA-PNA