Yt Framework

The city Zamboanga was hit by intensity 3 earthquake, the local Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said.

PHIVOLCS Zamboanga City Science Research Analyst Engr. Allan Rommel Labayog said the earthquake struck yesterday at 9:04 a.m.

The earthquake epicenter was monitored at 39 Km, N68W of Zamboanga City.

According to Labayog, the origin of the earthquake was tectonic and it only hit the city of Zamboanga with a magnitude of 3.30.

He explained that only Zamboanga City experienced the earthquake because “It so happen Zamboanga City is the front for this trench.”

The seismograph, the instrument used to measure the intensity of an earthquake, has registered Intensity III earthquake for the City of Zamboanga.

Labayog said the movements are just normal. The average number of earthquake per day is 20 events, the said event was part of the 20 earthquakes per day.

There is always a probability for earthquake because the city and the region is surrounded by two tectonic trenches the Sulu and Cotabato trench which could trigger an earthquake and tsunami.

He stressed that “It’s a reminder for Zamboanga City that Sulu trench is there and preparedness should be a daily concern for us.”

The Sulu trench last moved during September 21, 1897 while the Cotabato trench last moved last August 17, 1976.

The whole country is also at risk as the Philippines is one of the countries located along Pacific Ring of Fire.    

Earthquake is the sudden movement of rocks below the earth's surface which could cause damage to property and even death.

The city last experienced an intensity 2 earthquake on June 14 this year and the said earthquake affected the Zamboanga Peninsula.

by: R.G. A A. Go