Phivolcs to install sensors for strong quakes

MANILA, Philippines - In line with its project to beef up the government’s national earthquake monitoring capability within three years, the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-Phivolcs) said yesterday it plans to install 27 new strong motion sensors in provinces around Metro Manila.

In a statement, the DOST said the new gadgets would be able to record high magnitude earthquakes to provide data needed to study the effects of earth movements on soil quality, especially in highly urbanized cities in Luzon.

The 27 additional sensors would be able to measure and record large amplitude, high frequency seismic wave activities typical of local earthquakes with magnitude 3 and above.

Phivolcs said strong earth movements loosen up soil, exposing affected areas to multiple hazards such as soil liquefaction, landslides, erosion and sinkholes.

With these additional sensors, experts at Phivolcs would be able to determine the risks in affected areas and provide a timely recommendation in upgrading building codes to conform with the soil quality. Phivolcs would also be able to predict the patterns of strong shaking in future large earthquakes.

“Engineers will be guided on the limitations of their structural designs against the soil quality in a particular area,” said Phivolcs’ Melchor Lasala.

They believe that through proper guidance, the engineers would be able to make buildings safer and sturdier.