Earthquake In Lanao Del Sur Upgraded To Destructive Intensity VII
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) upgraded the earthquake in Lanao del Sur from magnitude 6 up to a destructive intensity VII.
As of 5:21 on early Wednesday morning (April 12, 2017), a magnitude 6.0 earthquake has struck six kilometers west of Wao town in Lanao del Sur. The powerful tremor was followed by series of aftershocks, which caused fear and raises the concern of some residents.
The damage recorded caused by the magnitude 6.0 quake in Lanao was prompted the volcanology agency to upgrade the quake intensity to a destructive level VII. The Intensity refers to the quake effect on the ground and to the people, while Magnitude refers to the strength of the tremor.
Phivolcs initially recorded the quake at a magnitude 5.5 magnitude, but later it was upgraded to magnitude 6. The epicenter of the Lanao quake was recorded near Kalilangan town in Bukidnon province.
Wao, Lanao del Sur, and Kalilangan, Bukidnon have now upgraded to Intensity VII as the seismologists from the volcanology agency.
An Intensity VII earthquake has been described as destructive and can possibly cause severe damage on poorly built structures and slight damage to well-built establishments, liquefaction and landslide are also possible, according to PHIVOLCS Earthquake Intensity Scale.
The Lanao quake causes damage to at least 30 houses, public structures, and the power around the quake epicenter Wao, Lanao del Sur was cut off. Despite the powerful tremor, there were no threats of a tsunami and serious damages were reported.
Most residents were alarmed due to the series of earthquakes experienced by the country for these past few months. The volcanology agency was also observing any irregular movements in the West Valley Fault, where the “big One” earthquake might strike in this generation.
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