Tsunami-prone areas named, lowlying coastal areas, islands in danger zones

ZAMBOANGA CITY (ZNS) –The  Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PhilVolcs) has  already identify  the proximity areas where tsunami will be greatly affected in the city .

PhilVocs Director Engr.Allan Labayog in this city said that his office and related agencies will also conduct a  three-day training on earthquake and tsunami preparedness for elementary school teachers in Zamboanga City.

About 25 percent  or more among the 98 barangays in the city will be affected by waves that can be generated by earthquakes.

These  barangays include those in the  Sacol Islands group, , Talon-Talon, Mampang, Arena Blanco,Mariki,Rio Hondo , City Proper,San Jose, Sta.Catalina,Tugbungan, Mercedes, Guiwan, Sta,Maria , San Roque, San Jose Gusu and others.

Labayog said  that the tsunami tht could hit the city will be  32 times stronger  than that storm surge that hit  Bohol last year,  if  the magnitude is about 8.0.

On record, Labayog said that the city already experience about  30 earthquakes  per day of low and imperceptivble magnitude.

A  magniture  8.0 earthquake could generate ten meters high waves of the hgieht of three storey buildings.

Labayog said that the Sulu Trench had been in dormant  or did not move for the past 100 years or since way  back in the  September 21,1897.

He also that that , for the past 800 years  there were  about  7 earthquakes that occurred in the Sulu Trench ranmging from intensity seven and up.

As this developed,  Labayog said that there is a need right now  to identify an evacuation center with the criteria.

An emergency plan is also need to be started with respective family  down to the community, Labayog said .

In another development, Labayog said  that a three days  training has already been scheduled on September 25 to 27,2014  where 150 elementary science teachers  in three batches  at 50 per batch will undergo  said training .

Labayog said that there are materials  to  be used designed  for  pupils as well as drills  after the discussion .

The training  is in closed coordination with the  United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco), United National Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific and Phivolcs central off

 Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum, Department of Science and Technology Regional Director Brenda Nazareth-Manzano and other Phivocs officials will be the resource speakers for the three days training, Labayog said . (Letty M. Militante )  (091514)