Phivolcs: 3 active fault lines may trigger 6.7, 7.2, 6.8 earthquakes in Cagayan

TUGUEGARAO City, Cagayan – The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) warned that Cagayan may experience strong earthquakes due to three active fault lines in the province.

This prompted the provincial government to order residents and those in schools and government agencies to seriously participate in earthquake drills to be ready in times of disaster

Shally Marck Daguiao, Phivolcs science assistant, speaking at the “Kapehan sa Kapitolyo” program at the Cagayan Provincial Information Office Monday, August 8, said it is possible for the province to experience a strong earthquake due to three active fault lines.

These are located in Sicalao, Lasam, Dummun River in Gattaran, and Taboan River in Baggao.

Daguiao said that magnitude can reach up to 6.7 if the fault line moves in Sicalao, 7.2 in Dummun River, and magnitude-6.8 at Taboan River.

She said that they have been monitoring the fault lines but until now there is no equipment that can detect when the underground rocks will move which is the cause of the earthquake.

Daguiao explained that there is no way to predict or know when an earthquake will strike.

She encouraged everyone to be prepared and participate in exercises such as earthquake drills conducted in schools and government agencies.

Daguiao urged compliance with the National Building Code.

Meanwhile, Felicitas Piligan, chief, Geoscience Division, Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Region 2, said that they have already conducted an inspection in areas that often experience landslides due to rains.

This enables them to give immediate notice to residents, she said.