Cagayan fault lines leading to strong quakes: Philvolcs

By Leander C. Domingo

TUGUEGARAO CITY -- Due to the presence of three active fault lines, there is a high chance that Cagayan province can experience strong earthquakes, according to the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DoST-Philvolcs).
    Shally Marck Daguiao, DoST-Philvolcs Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) science research assistant, has identified the active fault lines during the "Kapehan sa Kapitolyo" program held by the Cagayan Provincial Information Office on Monday, August 8.
    The fault lines are located in Sicalao in Lasam town; Dummun River in Gattaran town and Taboan River in Baggao town.
    According to Daguiao, the earthquake magnitude can reach up to 6.7 if the fault line moves in Sicalao; 7.2 magnitude in Dummun River and 6.8 magnitude in Taboan River in Baggao.
    She explained that although their office can monitor movements in fault lines, she, however, clarified that until now, there is still no gadget or equipment that can predict an earthquake.
    "There is no way to determine ahead of time or know when an earthquake will occur in an area," Daguio said.
    "Thus, it is better for everyone to be prepared during calamities and disasters," she added.
    "Let us also participate in exercises such as earthquake drills that are often conducted in schools and government agencies to be prepared during disasters," Daguio said
    She noted that compliance with the National Building Code is also important, particularly among builders of structures.
    Meanwhile, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Cagayan Valley also affirmed that prompt and proper planning is necessary for preparation for any possible earthquake.
    Felicitas Piligan, MGB Region 2 Geoscience Division chief, said their agency often conducts geological assessments.
    Piligan said a good design is needed in the construction of structures, even houses to avoid damage when there is an earthquake.
    She said the MGB has already conducted an inspection in areas that often experience landslides in the province.
    Piligan explained that the conduct of inspection and assessment is to give immediate notice to the residents to avoid any accidents.