‘Big One’ Possible Even Outside Metro Manila, Phivolcs Says
PHIVOLCS – The state volcanology agency warned the public that ‘Big One’ earthquake is possible even outside Metro Manila.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reminded the public that powerful earthquakes, ranging from magnitude 7.9 to 8.2, could also occur outside Metro Manila.
According to Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol, while most preparations and discussions about the so-called “Big One” focus on the West Valley Fault in Metro Manila, other regions in the country are also at risk of equally destructive earthquakes.
He explained that the attention is often centered on the capital because it is the country’s political and economic hub, but there are other areas with even greater potential threats.
Bacolcol shared that the Philippine Fault in Nueva Ecija is capable of producing a magnitude 7.9 earthquake that could trigger a tsunami as high as nine to ten meters. Meanwhile, the Negros Trench, which stretches around 400 kilometers, has the potential to generate a magnitude 8.2 earthquake that could cause widespread damage.
Phivolcs official emphasized that the West Valley Fault is not the only one the public should be concerned about, as there are many other major fault lines across the Philippines that could lead to large-scale disasters.
“The world doesn’t revolve around West Valley Fault and marami pang bigger ones in other parts of the country, huwag nating kalimutan,” Bacolcol said.
The agency’s director urged everyone to take earthquake preparedness seriously, regardless of where they live. He reminded Filipinos that big earthquakes can happen anywhere in the country, not just in Metro Manila.
“That’s the reason why everybody should prepare… Lahat ng mga Filipinos should prepare kasi hindi lang sa Metro Manila pwede magkaroon ng malaking lindol,” he added.
Phivolcs and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) assured the public that continuous research and monitoring are being done to better understand these threats.
The agency also encouraged local governments and communities to strengthen their disaster readiness, ensuring that people are informed and prepared in case nature strikes unexpectedly.
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