EARTHQUAKES IN THE PHILIPPINES

Nestled within the volatile Pacific Ring of Fire, this nation has a long history of seismic activity.

Ephraim Nthiga

October 1, 2023

The Philippines, an archipelago located in Southeast Asia, is renowned not only for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage but also for its susceptibility to earthquakes.

Throughout the years, the Philippines has experienced a series of notable earthquakes, each leaving its mark on the country's landscape and history. In this overview, we will delve into some of the significant seismic events that have shaped the earthquake history of the Philippines.

Earthquakes in the Philippines, like those in many other parts of the world, are primarily caused by the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth's surface. The country's location within the Pacific Ring of Fire, where several tectonic plates converge, makes it particularly prone to seismic activity.

Though the nation has experienced numerous earthquakes of varying magnitudes. Here are some significant earthquakes in the Philippines' history:

Luzon Earthquake (1880): This was one of the deadliest earthquakes in Philippine history. It struck Luzon Island on August 16, 1880, with an estimated magnitude of 7.7. The earthquake and subsequent tsunami caused widespread destruction and resulted in thousands of deaths.

Luzon Earthquake (1990): On July 16, 1990, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 struck again but on the northern part of Luzon Island. It caused extensive damage to infrastructure and resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives.

Bohol Earthquake (2013): This was a devastating natural disaster that had a profound impact on the affected regions in the Philippines. It highlighted the importance of earthquake preparedness and building resilient infrastructure in a seismically active area. Additionally, efforts were made to reconstruct and repair the historic structures and communities that were severely affected by the earthquake.

On October 15, 2013, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck Bohol Island in the central Philippines. The earthquake caused significant damage to buildings, roads, and historical structures, including churches. It resulted in several casualties.

Mindanao Earthquake : This earthquake had a magnitude of 8.0 and was felt throughout the Philippines. It caused widespread damage and killed over 8,000 people.

Another major Mindanao earthquake occurred on February 10, 2011. This earthquake had a magnitude of 6.7 and caused significant damage in the province of Compostela Valley. It killed over 100 people and left thousands homeless.

In recent years, there have been several other significant earthquakes in Mindanao. In 2021, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Davao Oriental province, killing over 10 people and injuring hundreds more. In 2023, there have been several magnitude 5+ earthquakes in Mindanao, including a magnitude 5.4 earthquake in Davao Oriental in August and a magnitude 5.9 earthquake in Davao de Oro in March.

Luzon Earthquake (2020):The Luzon Earthquake in 2020 was a notable seismic event that had a significant impact on communities in the Philippines, particularly in Luzon. It serves as a reminder of the importance of earthquake preparedness and building resilience in areas prone to seismic activity. On January 12, 2020, a magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck Batangas and other parts of Luzon Island. While it did not cause widespread destruction, it prompted evacuations and raised concerns about potential volcanic activity.

Surigao Earthquake (2021): On February 10, 2021, a magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck Surigao del Norte in the southern Philippines. It caused damage to buildings and infrastructure but did not result in significant casualties.

The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.1 on the Richter scale. This is considered a major earthquake and can cause significant damage and pose a threat to people and structures.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) is responsible for monitoring seismic activity in the Philippines. PHIVOLCS regularly issues warnings and advisories to the public in the event of an earthquake. It is important to follow the instructions of PHIVOLCS in the event of an earthquake to stay safe

PHIVOLCS was founded in 1984, and it is headquartered in Quezon City, Philippines. The agency has a network of monitoring stations throughout the country, and it also has a team of scientists who study the data collected from these stations.

PHIVOLCS plays an important role in disaster risk reduction in the Philippines. The agency's warnings and information help people to stay safe during volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and tsunamis. PHIVOLCS also works with local governments to develop disaster preparedness plans.

Here are some of the services that PHIVOLCS provides:

Monitors and studies volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis in the Philippines.
Provides information and warnings to the public about these hazards.
Works with local governments to develop disaster preparedness plans.
Conducts research on volcanic and seismic hazards.
Educates the public about volcanic and seismic hazards.

PHIVOLCS is a vital resource for the Philippines, and its work helps to keep people safe from volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and tsunamis.