5.7 quake not related to feared Manila quake - Phivolcs

MANILA, Philippines — The country's top seismologist allayed fears that the earthquake that rocked Luzon on Wednesday night is a prelude to the dreaded major earthquake he has been urging the public to prepare for.

Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum said that the magnitude-5.7 earthquake that surprised Metro Manila, Calabarzon and residents of neighboring provinces was caused by the movement of the Lubang Fault.

Lubang Fault between the island of Mindoro and Batangas province is shown in Phivolcs map of trenches and active faults in the Philippines. Phivolcs

The fault, running offshore between Batangas and Mindoro, generated ground shaking which was felt 100 kilometers from the epicenter, Solidum explained in an interview with dzMM on Thursday.

It was recorded to have occurred 39 kilometers southwest of Calatagan, Batangas around 7:50 p.m. Wednesday.

Related: 5.7 quake felt in Metro Manila, Luzon areas

Solidum said that the Lubang Fault frequently moves but is not known to create major earthquakes, unlike the West Valley Fault cutting through Manila.

The long West Valley Fault has been projected to generate what scientists call "The Big One," a highly destructive earthquake in Metro Manila at least seven in magnitude.

Read: Phivolcs chief warns 7.2 earthquake can isolate Manila

"Kung titingnan ang ating scenario para sa paghahanda sa Kamaynilaan, ang ating tinitingnang fault na posibleng magdulot ng severe shaking o matinding pag-uga at epekto ito, 'yung West Valley fault," Solidum said.

Past Phivolcs simulations of the possible magnitude 7 quake in the capital indicate that population density, urban congestion and infrastructure will contribute to the extent of the damage. - Camille Diola