The EERI Northern California Regional Chapter is hosted a free webinar on the M7.0 earthquake that struck Luzon Island in northern Philippines. Onshore active faults and opposing dipping subduction systems produce volcanic activity, earthquakes, and tsunamis making Luzon Island one of the most hazard-prone regions on Earth. Since 1970, eleven other quakes having magnitudes 6.5 or greater have occurred within about 150 miles of the July quake.
The earthquake occurred on the northern segment of the Philippine Fault system. On the Philippines Earthquake Intensity Scale, a maximum Intensity of VIII (very destructive) was reported in the City of Vigan (pop. 60,000). It was also felt in Manila, capital of the Philippines, about 250 miles to the south. More than 513,000 people were affected, of which, 57,000 were displaced. Eleven fatalities were reported, and at least 620 people were injured. A total of 36,000 homes were affected, including 690 which were totally destroyed. An additional 180 healthcare facilities were damaged, and over 8,000 schools were affected.
Two speakers from the Philippines were featured
Dr. Mario Aurelio, Professor, University of the Philippines National Institute of Geological Sciences, Quezon City, discussed the seismotectonic setting of the area struck twice by strong magnitude earthquakes within a period of less than three months.
Dr. Lessandro Estelito Garciano, Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, De La Salle University, Manila and Director of the Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines (ASEP),presented on observed building damage from field surveys.