For a more precise and faster readings of earthquake, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology (Phivolcs) decided to place a 100 earthquake intensity meters around the country starting this year.
This moved of Phivolcs is one of their preparations for possible earthquakes to come and to ensure the safety of the people.
Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum Jr. said that this project is funded with 2 million pesos with the help of Japan International Cooperation Agency. According to him this will help the seismologist in phivolcs to issue faster landslide and tsunami alerts to save lives in the event that earthquake will strike the country.
Solidum also added that populated areas surrounded with fault lines like metro manila and nearby provinces will be placed with a huge number of seismic sensors (about 40). While the rest of the intensity meters will be scattered throughout the regions.
According to phivolcs director, their target is to install 40 meters this year, 30 for next year and 30 more for the following years.
Chosen buildings in the regions will be placed by a seismic meter (A box like structure equipped with a small monitor and data communication capabilities) either on the second or third floor to measure the structure’s sway during the earthquake.
The seismic meter is said to be capable of calculating the intensity of the earthquake and transmit the data into the database of phivolcs.
Officials of phivolcs said that this project will greatly help them in monitoring the condition of the country when it comes to earthquakes and reduce the possible damage that it may cause.
The said sensors, which cost 85,000 pesos each, would enable phivolcs to get an accurate description and measurement of the earthquakes intensity. This is according to phivolcs officer in charge Ishmael Narag.
As of now the West Valley fault line that runs from Sierra Madre mountains range through eastern Metro Manila to Southern part of tagalong is being monitored by the phivolcs for there is a possibility that it may create a 7.2 magnitude earthquake anytime in the country.