Phivolcs: No technology yet to predict earthquakes
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has reminded the public that there is no technology yet that can predict earthquakes.
On its Facebook page, Phivolcs shared an old post dismissing rumors that an earthquake involving the West Valley Fault, possibly affecting Metro Manila and its neighboring provinces will occur.
“Sa kasalukuyan, wala pang teknolohiya sa buong mundo na maaring malaman kung kailan maaaring maganap ang isang malakas na lindol,” Phivolcs clarified.
(As of now, there is no technology yet anywhere in the world that can predict earthquakes.)
“Bagama’t ganito, patuloy na minamatyagan ng DOST-PHIVOLCS ang mga lugar na pinagmumulan ng lindol upang magbigay ng sapat na abiso ayon sa nakalap na datos lalo na kapag may kakaibang nangyayari sa mga ito,” the agency added.
(The DOST-Phivolcs continue to monitor the origins of earthquakes to provide alerts based from data that is available.)
The earthquake on Monday was recorded in Castillejos town in Zambales and was felt in different parts of Luzon from Pangasinan to Metro Manila and to Camarines Norte.
READ: Magnitude 6.1 earthquake shakes parts of Luzon
In 2017, rumors spread that earthquakes may be predicted as studies about the possible effects of the West Valley Fault were published. The fault line has not moved since it’s last movement around 400 years ago.
READ: Fast facts: West Valley Fault
READ: The Big One could kill 34,000
READ: Don’t just prepare for ‘Big One,’ Phivolcs chief says
Despite the absence of earthquakes involving the West Valley Fault, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said that agencies like the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) are prepared for the worst scenario.
“The government agency in-charge of earthquakes in the country estimates that over 30,000 individuals may die and over 100,000 may be injured. In order to speed up the evacuation of residents and the rescue operations, the MMDA has divided Metro Manila into four quadrants,” the NCRPO said.
These are: North (Caloocan, Valenzuela, Quezon City, San Juan, Mandaluyong); East (Pasig, Marikina); West (Manila Malabon, Navotas); and South (Las Piñas, Makati, Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Pateros, Taguig, Pasay. /ee
