SAN JOSE, Antique – The province of Antique should be thankful for the recent series of mild earthquakes that rattled it, according to Broderick Train, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) chief.
The earthquake swarm relieved the pressure building up underground which, if not released, could eventually result to stronger and destructive tremors, he explained.
The series of earthquakes was experienced last week from the towns of Anini-y to Valderrama.
“According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), our earthquake generators include the West Panay Fault, which is active in classification; the collision zone between Negros trench and Mindoro trech; and another collision zone between the Palawan and Panay blocks,” said Train.
The recent earthquakes averaged 3.0 in magnitude. No casualties were reported.
“According to scientists, Antique should be thankful for the series of small earthquakes. These eased the pressure build-up that can cause huge earthquakes,” said Train.
The PDRRMO has been preparing Antique for possible earthquakes.
“Our main weapon is preparing our communities and making them aware what to do when big earthquakes happen,” said Train.
Every quarter, the PDRRMP conducts earthquake simulation exercises, participated especially by to those living in mountain areas where earthquakes can cause landslides, tsunami, liquefaction, and possible collapse of structures.
“We are also strengthening our response mechanism. Just recently, our provincial government headed by Gov. Rhodora Cadiao acquired one customized rescue vehicle. We are also training people, especially in the municipal level,” Train added.
He also encouraged the engineering and construction sector to follow standard mitigation policies such as building and fire codes as these also prevent potential damage from earthquakes. (Macky Torrechilla, PDRRMO-Antique/PN)
