regarding newly-discovered fault lines

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Occidental Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday called on local government units in the province to take necessary measures regarding the discovery of new fault lines in Negros.

Lacson lauded the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) for identifying the new fault lines, which could trigger earthquakes.

“Throughout the years, it has been predicted that a ‘big one’ will happen, we just don’t know where,” Lacson said.

He said, with the new discovery, local governments should ensure there are no structures built along the fault lines and, if there are any, a decision must be made whether to vacate the place or enhance the integrity of structures in the area.

Based on Phivolcs’ mapping of Negros island, they identified the East Negros Fault System, which is connected with other fault lines located in San Carlos City, Calatrava, and Toboso in Negros Occidental; and Bindoy, Guihulngan, Pamplona, and Manjuyod in Negros Oriental.

Other recently-discovered potentially active fault lines include the Pontevedra-Hinigaran trace, the Candoni fault, and Sibulan fault./DGB, WDJ