DOST reminds public: Check out map to see where ‘big quake’ may hit

MANILA — The Department of Science and Technology is encouraging the public to download the atlas its researchers and scientists compiled so that they can be better prepared when “The Big One” hits.

Science Secretary Mario Montejo has been telling the public that it is important for one to know whether his house, school or workplace is near or on top of the East and West Valley Faults, as this may spell a big difference in one’s life.

“The Valley Fault System (VFS) Atlas will be our guide to making our communities safe and secure from the possible negative effects of an earthquake. By making our people aware of the hazards, they can plan and implement preparedness programs like earthquake drills and retrofitting their houses,” Montejo said in a statement.

The VFS is an active fault system composed of two fault segments–the 10-km East Valley Fault traversing Rizal province and the 100-km West Valley Fault that runs through Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna and Metro Manila.

Last year, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) warned that the West Valley Fault, which moves every 400 to 600 years, has become ripe for movement. Its last recorded movement was in 1658, or 357 years ago.

Studies show that a 7.2-magnitude earthquake generated by the fault’s movement would leave more than 30,000 people dead and another 100,000 injured, hence the need for the public to be well-informed of what to do before, during and after the quake.

Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum said that the atlas, which the public could download for free at www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph, has been serving as a “handy reference” for people to make sure that they avoid building on areas crossed by the faults, as well as come up with the necessary mitigation and response actions.

Montejo said that as of December 2015, the atlas has been downloaded 100,000 times.  SFM