Phivolcs studying local fault line

Posted by watchmen
January 2, 2020
Posted in HEADLINE

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

In response to last week’s 4.8-magnitude earthquake, which was felt across the Western Visayas, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said they have begun studying the fault line that runs within San Enrique, Iloilo. In a radio interview over the weekend, Phivolcs science research assistant Mary Ann Montion said, based on historical records, a 6.7-magnitude tremor was recorded in the town back in March 1950.
She noted, the institute has not recorded any aftershocks following the initial tremor and denied claims the earthquake was connected to the recent solar eclipse or that it was created by Mt. Bayoso, which locals refer to as a “dead volcano.” In addition, the Phivolcs official clarified, Mt. Bayoso is a mountain and not a volcano.
Montion said the recent earthquake will not affect the West Panay Fault, which was responsible for the 7.8-magnitude ‘Lady Caycay’ quake that struck Antique in 1948.
Last week’s quake had an epicenter in San Enrique. The tremor was initially pinpointed to Dumarao, Capiz but later revised after receiving more accurate data.
An Intensity IV, which has a vibration similar to a passing heavy truck, was felt in Tapaz, Capiz, along with Passi City and Dingle in Iloilo; while an Intensity III, where a few people feel the tremor, particularly those on the upper floors of buildings, was recorded in Iloilo City, along with La Carlota City and Bacolod City in Negros Occidental.
Some buildings in Iloilo were reportedly evacuated following the quake, although no damage was reported.
In Bacolod City, an office block located beside the Capitol Park and Lagoon was evacuated but employees were allowed to return to work after an all-clear was declared./DGB, WDJ

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