TACLOBAN CITY– The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has recently enhanced its earthquake monitoring capabilities with the installation of three new seismic monitoring stations in Eastern Visayas.
The new stations with solar-powered detection systems are located in the following: Barangay Poblacion II, San Jorge, Samar; Sitio Ilijan, Barangay Poblacion, Almeria, Biliran; and Barangay Magsaysay, Javier, Leyte.
The recent installation complements the existing network in Barangay Arado, Palo, Leyte; Capitol Site, Maasin City, Southern Leyte; and Barangay San Pablo, Ormoc City, among others.
The expanded network aims to provide more comprehensive coverage and better data accuracy for the region.
“The new stations transmit real-time ground motion data via satellite to data-receiving centers in Quezon City, Tagaytay City, Davao City, and Cebu City. This enhancement is crucial for improving the early detection of seismic activity, aiding in risk assessment, and enhancing disaster preparedness and response efforts,” said Engr. Myrna P. Dolina, science research analyst at Phivolcs’ seismic station in Palo, Leyte.
The region’s susceptibility to seismic activity underscores the need for an enhanced monitoring network.
Eastern Visayas is home to 29 municipalities identified as high-risk due to their proximity to the Philippine Fault Zone, thus having a greater than 20 percent chance of experiencing potentially damaging earthquakes over the next 50 years. (PIA-8)
