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Top 10 Strongest Earthquakes to hit the Philippines

October 8, 2015 By Lyza R. Sabornido Leave a Comment

We all know that the Philippines is located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is the reason why our country is prone to seismic and volcanic activity.

Now, the country is preparing for “The Big One”, a magnitude 7.2 magnitude earthquake from the West Valley Fault which is expected to hit Metro Manila and Quezon City. Thus, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in coordination with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and other government agencies has been conducting series of earthquake drills. This is to prepare the people for the estimated impacts projected in the 2004 Metro Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study (MMEIRS). According to MMEIRS, “The Big One” could destroy about 40% of residential buildings and damage 35 percent of public buildings. It could also result to 34,000 casualties, 114,000 individuals will be seriously injured, and the possible fire incidents that would follow could add another 18,000 deaths. With the drills and information campaigns conducted, the authorities are hoping that those numbers would be lessened.

Actually, there had been many stronger earthquakes which hit the Philippines since 1600s but they caused lesser damage to properties. Casualties were also fewer because the cities then weren’t so densely populated unlike today. And as we know, Manila is the most densely populated city in the Philippines, if a magnitude 7.2 earthquake hits, there would surely be thousands of casualties and billions of damages on properties and infrastructures.

The following are top 10 strongest earthquakes in the Philippines that caused major destructions and casualties:

1. Magnitude 8.0 earthquake in Mindanao (August 17, 1976)

A magnitude 8.0 earthquake took place near Mindanao and Sulu a little past midnight of August 17, 1976 that was felt as far as Visayas. It was then followed by a massive 4 to 5 meters high tsunami covering 700 kilometers of coastline bordering the island. Because it was dark, the people were caught by the raging water which claimed 8,000 lives, injuring 10,000, and leaving 90,000 more, homeless.

2. Magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Northern and Central Luzon (July 16, 1990)

A total of 2,412 people died and at least ₱10-billion worth of damages to public and private properties was reported after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Northern and Central Luzon at around 4:00 p.m. of July 16, 1990.

Hyatt Terraces Plaza, Nevada Hotel, Baguio Hilltop Hotel, Baguio Park Hotel, and FRB Hotel, all in Baguio collapsed trapping and burying people alive.

Although the epicenter was recorded in Nueva Ecija, it caused more damage in the City of Pines. And the quake that just lasted for about a minute was one of the tragedies in the country that would never be forgotten.

3. Magnitude 7.5 earthquake in Luzon (November 30, 1645)

The magnitude 7.5 earthquake that crushed Luzon on November 30, 1645 at about 8:00 pm was called the “most terrible earthquake” in Philippines history. The Epicenter of the said quake was in Nueva Ecija caused by the San Manuel and Gabaldon Faults.

The extent of the tremor was felt as far as Cagayan Valley. It has caused many landslides which buried many people alive and destroyed many buildings and churches including Manila Cathedral.

That time, only Spanish are counted so the recorded number of casualties was only 600 while the injured was 3,000.

4. Magnitude 7.3 earthquake in Casiguran (August 2, 1968)

Most of the people in Casiguran, Aurora was still fast asleep when a magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck at 4:19 a.m. of August 2, 1968.

It was another deadly and shocking seismic activity in the country. And the City of Manila got the most severe damage. Many buildings were either damaged or destroyed totally.

The said event was also called the Ruby Tower earthquake after the said six-story building located in Binondo collapsed, and caused the death of 260 people. A total of 268 people died that day and 261 more were injured.

5. Magnitude 7.2 earthquake in Bohol (October 15, 2013)

I can still remember how people panicked in the morning of October 15, 2013. It was around 8:12 a.m. when a strong earthquake was felt here in Tacloban City. Only to find out after the lights came back that what we have experienced was nothing compared to the damage it caused in Bohol which was the epicenter of the magnitude 7.2 earthquake.

The quake affected most of Central Visayas, particularly Bohol and Cebu. It was felt in the whole area of Visayas and reached as far as Masbate Island in the north and Cotabato in Southern Mindanao.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), a total of 222 people died, 8 went missing and 976 others were injured. An estimated 73,000 structures were damaged wherein more than 14,500 of which were destroyed totally.

6. Magnitude 7.1 earthquake in Mindoro (November 15, 1994)

November 15, 1994, at around 3:15 a.m., a magnitude 7.1 earthquake rocked Mindoro. A gigantic 8.5 meters (28 ft) tsunami then followed which devastated the islands of Baco and Calapan, Mindoro.

A total of 7,566 houses were washed out and some 78 people died because of that tragedy.

7. Magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Central Visayas (February 6, 2012)

A total of 51 people died, 62 still missing and 112 were injured when a 6.9 earthquake Central Visayas, particularly Negros and parts of Mindanao on February 6, 2012.

It caused a landslide which buried a barangay, damaged 15,483 houses, and a total damage of ₱383-million on infrastructures and buildings was recorded.

8. Magnitude 7.5 earthquake in Central and Southern Mindanao (March 5, 2002)

A magnitude 7.5 earthquake resulted to the death of 15 people and injuring around a hundred more in Central and Southern Mindanao on March 5, 2002.

The said quake originated near the Cotabato Trench that was followed by a tsunami. But it was the flood that was generated by landslides and falling debris that caused damage to an estimated 800 buildings.

9. Magnitude 6.5 quake in Ilocos Norte (August 17, 1983)

The magnitude 6.5 quake in Ilocos Norte on August 17, 1983 happened around 8:18 p.m. and resulted to 16 casualties and 47 people got injured.

It caused damages on various establishments such as schools, buildings, malls, residences, and etc. There were also landslides and sand boils that followed the event.

10. Magnitude 7.6 earthquake happened near Guiuan, Eastern Samar (August 31, 2012)

A very strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 happened near Guiuan, Eastern Samar on August 31, 2012 that was felt as far as Mindanao.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) issued a tsunami warning Level 3, but it was lifted 5 hours later.

The quake caused damage on homes, bridges, and other infrastructures. There were also power interruptions in the affected areas. But despite the intensity only one person was reported dead and one injured because of the landslide in Cagayan de Oro City.

The bad thing about an earthquake is that we cannot prevent it and we cannot predict it. We do not know when exactly it would happen. Because of that, it would be better for us to be prepared at all times. Participate in Earthquake drills conducted by authorities, keep an emergency kit in the house, don’t panic when it happens and most importantly don’t forget to pray.

15 Things Usually Found in Filipino Homes

September 29, 2015 By Lyza R. Sabornido Leave a Comment

things found in filipino ho

There are customs we Filipinos follow which for some other culture find weird but for us they are part of who we are. There are things that only we Filipinos know how to use, things we would find a day hard to live by without.

These are the things which we have learned to use since we could remember. Despite the modern life we have now, there are still things we use today which our forefathers have used.

Here are some of the common things you would usually find in Filipino homes: [Read more…]

How to Register with the COMELEC Biometric Registration

September 22, 2015 By Lyza R. Sabornido 2 Comments

No Bio No Vote

The upcoming 2016 Presidential Elections is one of the most talked about topic these days. Three Presidential candidates have already announced their interest in running for the highest position in the Philippine government and there are already a lot of issues that are coming out too. People are expressing their opinion about the candidates some bashing some showing support but before we focus on the elections, there is something every Filipino should have to be able to truly express what they want for our country. I am talking about securing voter’s ID.

As we might have observed, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), rolled out a campaign to collect voters’ biometric data for next year’s election with the slogan ‘No Bio, No Boto’ or ‘No bio, no vote’. You might have seen their tarpaulins along highways and busy streets but most people have no idea as to what is the reason why we need to have our biometric data collected by the commission. So COMELEC also used various ways to spread information to people such as social media youth drives and malls. [Read more…]

10 Alarming Facts about Traffic in Metro Manila that You Should Know

September 14, 2015 By Rig Man 11 Comments

stuck in traffic in Metro Manila

Stuck in heavy traffic in Metro Manila. Photo by FAQ.ph

The heavy traffic in Metro Manila is not only caused by the lack of roads or the congestion of buses in the National Capital Region. The stressful traffic jams are also due to many other factors, such as the overpopulation of residents, congestion of private vehicles, inefficient services of rail transportation, and the ineffective traffic control management in the country’s capital region.

Furthermore, the effects of Metro Manila’s traffic is not only limited to the delays suffered by the riding public but traffic congestion can also cause air pollution, noise pollution, vehicular accidents, and an unhealthy economy in the region and even in the national level.

Whether you’re residing in Metro Manila or just a concerned Filipino citizen, here are 10 alarming facts that are related to the heavy traffic in the region that you should know: [Read more…]

5 Reasons Why We Should Promote “Muay Thai” in the Philippines

August 28, 2015 By Lyza R. Sabornido 4 Comments

Muay Thai or “the art of eight limbs” is a combat sport which originated in Thailand and became known internationally in the 20th century. It was called the art of 8 limbs because it uses fists, elbows, knees, and shins.

Muay Thai is not very popular in the country which is why the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has conducted various grass-rooting in some parts of the country. Last year, I happened to meet their Head Coach, Claro and one of their best fighters, Manuel Christopher Delos Reyes when they conducted grass-rooting in Naval, Biliran. They showed how the Muay Thai is done at the Naval State University Gym starting with the ritual dance to show respect and then the actual fight. They likewise picked some students and taught them the basic techniques of the sport. [Read more…]

In Photos: Catbalogan City’s Manaragat Festival Parade 2015

August 23, 2015 By Rig Man Leave a Comment

Manaragat Festival Parade 2015

Manaragat is a Waray-Waray term that means fishermen. The Manaragat festival is an August month-long city festivity to honour St. Bartholomew, the miraculous Patron Saint of Catbalogan who maintains the richness of Magueda Bay as a fishing ground for Catbaloganons and all Samareños.

As one of the highlights in their month-long celebration, the people of Catbalogan hold a colourful parade every 23 of August, a day before the city’s fiesta (kaadlawan). The Manaragat Festival Parade is joined by various tribes or groups representing different barangays and schools from the City, as well as visitors from other parts of the Philippines.

During the parade, several festive dances characterized by colourful costumes and complex movements of different marine species inhabiting Maqueda Bay are presented by dancers. The dances are also executed in harmony with the sounds of drums and bugles that echo the culture of the long-lived fishing industry in Catbalogan.

In this year’s Manaragat Festival Parade, we had an opportunity to witness its grandeur. It’s our tradition to take photos of different festival parades from the different cities and towns of the Philippines, and we do it from an ordinary citizen’s point of view (no VIP or special media access) :).

Whether you missed the parade or you were there to watch it, here are some of the photos of Catbalogan City’s 2015 Manaragat Festival Parade. [Read more…]

5 Reasons Why Free Internet Data should be Stopped in the Philippines

August 20, 2015 By Rig Man 1 Comment

Before you react to this article, I just want to clarify that we love free Internet data. Of course who doesn’t want freebies? Who doesn’t want free access to Facebook, Twitter, Spotify, Viber and other great websites and applications on the Internet.

It also gives us the opportunity to know what’s happening in the world and to communicate with our loved ones wherever they are on Earth without extra charges. We can even write our own list of reasons why free data should be continued in the country.

However, not all good things bear good consequences, especially if they aren’t used the right way. So here are 5 reasons why free yet limited Internet data should be stopped in the Philippines. [Read more…]

50 Most Common Internet Slang Terms Used in the Philippines

July 12, 2015 By Rig Man Leave a Comment

Have you ever read some strange abbreviated words such as ATM, FFTB and OOTD in your friends’ posts on Facebook or Instagram?

Don’t get it wrong – ATM doesn’t mean automated teller machine when your social media friends post a selfie or a picture showing what they are doing or where they are at a moment.

Our world and way of life are indeed changing drastically. In this world of smart phones, tablets, Internet, mobile apps, social media and other digital wonders, everyone should keep up with the conversation.

Learn some of the most common Internet slang words and abbreviations used by Filipinos today so that you won’t become a clueless person when you see one on your social media newsfeed and messages.

The following are some of the most usual Internet slang terms used in the Philippines: [Read more…]

Why So Many Filipinos Lack Discipline

March 27, 2015 By Joan Cyril Abello 1 Comment

Filipinos are known to be disciplined abroad. Most OFWs tend to finish everything at work before the day ends; they are seen as courteous, refined, and well-mannered; and they carefully follow the rules of the company or community where they are in. This observation is based on the answers of the respondents to The Philippine Star’s How Disciplined Are Filipinos?

How disciplined Filipinos are

How about here in the Philippines? How disciplined are we Filipinos? You will know just by looking around. People ignoring the pedestrian lanes; jeepney drivers loading and unloading in the middle of the road; children tossing their candy wrappers everywhere; and so many more scenes around describing how disciplined we are. The question is, “why do so many Filipinos lack discipline?” [Read more…]

100 Ways to Help the Poor

February 20, 2015 By Joan Cyril Abello Leave a Comment

961762_10153686914068146_518272889_n2015 is the “Year of the Poor” as declared by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). This is in relation to the theme of Pope Francis’ visit to the country last January, “Mercy and Compassion”. The Catholic leader encouraged the people to show real compassion to the needy by acting out of it. This means not just feeling pity for them, but taking actions to help in every way possible.

You do not need to be rich for you to be able to help the poor. Not at all times you need money to help them out. You can even do it with friends or an organization to minimize your expenses and at the same gather more assistance in your project. Moreover, you do not have to do this to a whole barangay. You can touch one life or family at a time. Here are 100 simple ways that you can do when compassion moves you to help the poor: [Read more…]

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FAQ.ph stands for Facts, Answers and Questions about the Philippines. It is an online place where you can read interesting facts, useful answers and frequently asked questions about our country, its places, events and people. Our mission is to share stories that will help Filipinos and the world gain knowledge about everything in the Philippines, including its beautiful spots, rich history, unique society, and solutions towards the nation's progress.

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