Aftershocks that could run for several days to weeks in the epicentral area and nearby provinces are expected following the 6.8 magnitude (MW) earthquake that shook Sarangani in Davao Occidental and a large portion of Mindanao including Davao City on Friday (Nov. 17), the Philippine Institute of Vulcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) of the Department of Science and Technology(DOST) posted in its website today (Nov. 18).
Aside from strong ground shaking other seismic hazards are expected to arise such as earthquake-induced landslides, rock falls, and other types of mass movement that may occur on sloping terrains, specifically in mountainous or hilly areas. Liquefaction, manifested by subsidence, ground fissures, sand boils, and/or lateral spreads may affect low-lying, water-saturated, and sandy areas near water bodies. Active river channels and coastal areas may be vulnerable to inundation of seawater due to the combination of liquefaction-induced subsidence, and changes in sea level due to high tide, PHIVOLCS said.
PHIVOLCS also confirmed the recent earthquake could not trigger a destructive tsunami, however, may result in localized tsunamis which are not extensive compared to a destructive tsunami which is feared by the majority of the public.
“Can this recent earthquake event trigger a destructive tsunami?
No. While the recent earthquake itself, due to its depth, is less likely to directly generate a destructive tsunami. However, submarine landslides triggered by the strong shaking could lead to the displacement of water, causing localized tsunamis that may not be as extensive but can still pose a threat to nearby coastal areas. In case of another strong shaking, coastal communities should be watchful and stay away from beaches and not go to the coast,” PHIVOLCS said.
The public also fears volcanic activity to occur following the earthquake since Parker Volcano which is active lies nearest to Sarangani. The PHILVOCS however clarified this could less happen since the recent earthquake is tectonic in origin. Nonetheless, the institute assures to closely monitor any movements or activity associated with the Parker Volcano.
DOST-PHIVOLCS has assured to deploy a Quick Response Team (QRT) to the provinces of Sarangani, Davao Occidental, and South Cotabato to assess the impacts and hazards and conduct information dissemination campaigns to dispel the fears of the public. It said it is currently working closely with other government agencies to mitigate the damaging effects of the affected areas.
The DOST-PHIVOLCS QRT aims to assess impacts and hazards and conduct information dissemination campaigns to allay the fears of the public. Furthermore, DOST-PHIVOLCS works hand-in-hand with other government agencies in mitigating the damaging effects of the earthquake events in these provinces.
The MW 6.8earthquake that occurred around 4:14 Friday has an epicenter located 28 kilometers southwest of Sarangani, Davao Occidental, and has an estimated depth of 63 kilometers (Figure 1). The earthquake was likely generated by the Cotabato Trench.
Concerned agencies are still evaluating the human and structural damage caused by the strong quake, especially in Sarangani and the rest of Mindanao.
PHOTO PHIVOLCS-DOST
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