Big earthquake in Marikina Valley fault line?

The United Nations is advising the Philippines to be ready for an upcoming big earthquake. A quake with a magnitude of 7 or higher on the Richter scale is sure to hit Metro Manila, they say, but the bigger question is when exactly this will happen.

The Earthquakes and Megacities Initiative (EMI) report published in 2004 predicts that an earthquake with a high magnitude will surely occur because of the Philippine Fault Zone (also called the Marikina Valley Fault System), but experts cannot predict when this may happen.

According to the report, the death toll may reach 35,000, some 120,000 people may be injured while around 175,000 buildings will be damaged.

Where exactly is the West Marikina Valley Fault Line? It lies northeast of Manila and traverses Marikina, Pasig going to Muntinlupa down to the south.

See also: Where is the Marikina Fault Line?

What is the Valley Fault System?

The Valley Fault System, also known as the Marikina Valley Fault System, is a group of dextral strike-slip fault which extends from San Mateo, Rizal to Taguig City on the south; running through the cities of Makati, Marikina, Paranaque, Pasig and Taguig.

The fault contains two segments, known as West Valley Fault and East Valley Fault both located in the city of Marikina in Metro Manila.

The west segment, known as the Western Marikina Fault was one of the two fault segments of the Valley Fault System which runs through the cities of Marikina, Pasig and Muntinlupa and moves in a dominantly dextral strike-slip motion. The West Fault is capable of producing large scale earthquakes on its active phases with a magnitude of 7 or higher.

The eastern segment, known as Eastern Marikina Fault moves in an oblique dextral motion.

Earthquake Safety Tips

Instead of being afraid and all panicky, we should make sure we are ready should an earthquake happen.

Here are some earthquake safety tips to remember.

What to do – Before the Earthquake

• Arrange your home for safety: Store heavy objects on lower shelves and store breakable objects in cabnents with latched doors. Don’t hang heavy mirrors or pictures above where people frequently sit or sleep.
• Store flamable liquids away from potential ignition sources.
• Stock up on emergency supplies. These include: battery operated radio (and extra batteries), flashlights (and extra batteries), first aid kit, bottled water, two weeks food and medical supplies, blankets, cooking fuel, tools needed to turn off your gas, water and electric utilities.
• Learn what to do during an earthquake (see During the Earthquake)

What to do – During the Earthquake

• If outdoors, move to an open area where falling objects are unlikely to strike you.
• If driving, slow down smoothly and stop on the side of the road. Avoid stopping on or under bridges and overpasses, or under power lines, trees and large signs.
• If indoors, quickly move to a safe location in the room such as under a strong desk, a strong table, or along an interior wall. The goal is to protect yourself from falling objects and be located near the structural strong points of the room.

What to do – After the Earthquake

• Check for injuries and attend to people who may need help.
• If the power is out, unplug appliances to prevent possible damage when the power is turned back on.
• If you smell or hear a gas leak, get everyone outside and open windows and doors. If you can do it safely, turn off the gas at the meter.
• If the building is badly damaged, evacuate immediately.

See also: Where exactly is the Marikina fault line?

Sources: GMANews.tv, Earthquake.usgs.gov, Geology.com

Tags: earthquake Philippines, Philippine fault lines, Metro Manila fault line, Marikine Valley fault zone, 7.2 earthquake, June 1991, July 1990 Baguio earthquake, safety precaution tips

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