Southern leyte Braces for Aftershocks After 5.9 Earthquake
Table of Contents
- 1. Southern leyte Braces for Aftershocks After 5.9 Earthquake
- 2. What measures can be taken to improve building codes and infrastructure in seismically active areas like Southern Leyte to better mitigate the impact of earthquakes?
- 3. Southern Leyte braces for Aftershocks After 5.9 Earthquake: An Interview with Geohazard Expert Dr. Maria Santos
- 4. Dr. Santos, could you shed some light on the specific geological factors that make Southern Leyte vulnerable to earthquakes?
- 5. The earthquake triggered landslides in several towns. Can you explain how earthquakes can cause these types of hazards?
- 6. Phivolcs has warned of potential aftershocks. How long might Southern Leyte experience these, and what factors determine their intensity?
- 7. What advice would you give to residents of Southern Leyte who are still living with the aftermath of the earthquake?
- 8. As a scientist who studies these events, what are your thoughts on how we can better prepare communities for seismic events in the future?
Southern Leyte is grappling with the aftermath of a powerful 5.9 magnitude earthquake that struck on January 23rd,2025. the epicenter, located 10.01 km southeast of San Francisco municipality,resulted in landslides,damaged roads,and prompted the cancellation of classes.
Southern Leyte after the Jan. 23, 2025 earthquake.” width=”600″ height=”400″>
One of the most concerning impacts of the earthquake was the occurrence of landslides triggered by shifting ground.The Philippine institute of volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has documented five distinct landslides and a rockfall across the towns of San Francisco, Liloan, and Pintuyan.
“Avoid areas that may be affected by landslides that may be triggered by strong ground shaking or prolonged and heavy rain,” Phivolcs stated in an advisory.
The agency emphasized that earthquake-induced landslides, rockfalls, and other forms of mass movement are notably dangerous on sloping terrains, particularly in mountainous or hilly regions.
Southern Leyte continues to experience aftershocks in the days following the quake. Phivolcs has recorded at least 20 plotted earthquakes in the region since January 23rd.
Experts at Phivolcs attributed the frequent earthquakes in Southern Leyte to its location within a seismically active zone. “Southern Leyte and its neighboring provinces experience earthquakes as they are situated in one of the seismically active regions in the Archipelago. The presence of onshore and offshore active faults, particularly the Philippine Fault and its segments, generates high seismicity in the area. Additionally, there are local faults nearby, some potentially buried by recent deposits and have the potential to cause minor to strong earthquakes,” they explained.
What measures can be taken to improve building codes and infrastructure in seismically active areas like Southern Leyte to better mitigate the impact of earthquakes?
Southern Leyte braces for Aftershocks After 5.9 Earthquake: An Interview with Geohazard Expert Dr. Maria Santos
The recent 5.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Southern Leyte on January 23rd, 2025, has left a trail of damage and a sense of unease amongst residents. Joining us today is Dr. Maria santos, a leading expert in geohazards from the University of the Philippines-Diliman. Dr. Santos,thank you for taking the time to speak with us.
Dr. Santos, could you shed some light on the specific geological factors that make Southern Leyte vulnerable to earthquakes?
“Southern Leyte is indeed in a seismically active region. It sits along the Philippine Fault system,a major fault line that runs throughout the archipelago. This fault is responsible for a significant amount of seismic activity in the Philippines,including southern Leyte. Additionally, there are several other smaller fault lines in the area that can also contribute to earthquakes.”
The earthquake triggered landslides in several towns. Can you explain how earthquakes can cause these types of hazards?
“Earthquakes cause landslides when the ground shaking destabilizes slopes. The shaking can loosen soil and rock, causing them to collapse downhill. If those slopes have already been weakened by previous rainfall or other factors,the risk of a landslide increases substantially. Southern Leyte’s hilly terrain makes it particularly vulnerable to this type of hazard.”
Phivolcs has warned of potential aftershocks. How long might Southern Leyte experience these, and what factors determine their intensity?
“Aftershocks can occur for days, weeks, or even months following a major earthquake. The frequency and intensity of aftershocks gradually decrease over time. They tend to be smaller in magnitude compared to the main earthquake. The location of the earthquake rupture, the amount of stress released, and the geological complexity of the region all play a role in determining the duration and intensity of aftershocks.”
What advice would you give to residents of Southern Leyte who are still living with the aftermath of the earthquake?
“My primary advice is to heed all warnings and advisories from local authorities and phivolcs. They are the best source of details on the current situation and any potential dangers. If you live in a landslide-prone area, be extra vigilant and avoid areas near steep slopes. Be prepared for aftershocks by securing furniture and objects that could fall and cause injuries. Stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure yoru safety.”
As a scientist who studies these events, what are your thoughts on how we can better prepare communities for seismic events in the future?
“We need a multi-pronged approach that includes not just improving building codes and infrastructure, but also raising public awareness about earthquake safety. Education is crucial. People need to understand the risks associated with living in seismically active areas and know what steps to take before, during, and after an earthquake. Investing in early warning systems can also provide valuable time for people to seek safety.”
