Sulu trench inactive for 117 years,

Sulu trench inactive for 117 years,

Probability of strong quake is there

ZAMBOANGA CITY (ZNS) -  The director of the  Philippine Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOCS)  has clarified that the probability of a strong earthquake hitting Zamboanga is there, because its main source the  Sulu Trench has been silent for the past 117 years.

But while the probability is there, Zamboanga PhilVocs Director Engr  Alan Labayog said that no one can predict when or where the big quake will come or what the resulting big waves or tsunami will occur.

In a radio interview at News FM Zamboanga ,Labayog said that  the Sulu Trench has not  moved for the past 117 years  as compared to the Cotabato Trench, “thus it is gaining  more strength “

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Labayog said that the last movement of the Sulu Trench was way back in the year 1897, September 21. That quake with an estimated  magnitude of 7.5  generated six (6) meter tsunami  or waves  affected the Zamboanga Peninsula.

That, citing historical events , major disaster such as earthquake followed  by  tsunamis  can happen again in Mindanao particularly in the Western Part of Mindanao especially in this city of Zamboanga .

Earlier, line enforcement  government agencies  launched a two day preparedness  disaster program headed by the DOST, DILG and the Office of the Civil Defense of ARMM  and the BASULTA who attended  the event .

These awareness and preparedness programs are  aimed to prompt  officials  to train and learn to adapt mitigating measures to create awareness, save lives  against the vulnerable major disaster and calamities .

Labayog who has said that “ hende kame ta ase miedo” but this is based on scientific data that in the  long run this will happen.

An  6 to 10 intensity earthquake is considered to be very dangerous with 10 considered as the highest intensity possible.

 “We can not predict, but the probability is there,” Labayog said adding that most if not all of the edifices in the city will be affected.

Since, only a few are made up of a “based isolation” or the so-called “roller” that is very expensive .

Among the  things need  to prepare in case of earthquaekes are  flashlights,  whistle or pito , bag pack  with  3 days food, clothings, medicines or first aid kit and water. (Letty M.Militante ) (090914)