The launching of new Fault Valley System Atlas
QUEZON CITY, Philippines — PHIVOLCS distributed to LGU’s the new atlas in order for them to prepare for a possible magnitude 7.2 earthquake.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) launched the new Valley Fault System Atlas that contains more detailed information on fault lines in Greater Metro Manila area.
The valley fault system is an active fault system composed of two fault segments.
The 10km long east valley fault in Rizal and the 100km long west valley fault that runs through different cities and towns of Bulacan, Rizal, Metro Manila, Cavite and Laguna.
The west valley fault can generate a magnitude 7.2 magnitude earthquake.
PHIVOLCS used old aerial photographs at 1:50,000 scale to show even the smallest area in the fault.
The last major movement of the west valley fault was recorded in 1658 and based on history it moves every 400-600 years.
It can cause major damages to infrastructures which may result to more than 30,000 casualties.
Copies of the atlas were distributed to the LGU’s so that they can prepare their constituents for such catastrophes. (REY PELAYO / UNTV News)