Potential Earthquake Hazards

Ground Rupture
fissuring or faulting along the surface fissuring.The creation of new or the renewal of movements
of old fractures, oftentimes with the two blocks on both sides moving in opposite directions

A. This will be experienced by areas where fault passes through (note not all cracks on the
ground that people see after a strong earthquake are faults, some may just be surficial cracks
because of ground failure)

B. The movement may have vertical and horizontal component and may be as small as less than
0.5 meters (Masbate 1994 earthquake) to as big as 6 meters (16 July 1990 Earthquake).

 Liquefaction
a process that transforms - the behavior of a body of sediment from that of a solid to that of a
liquid.

The ground loses strength and structures built on top of it may sink and tilt...

Earthquake-induced Landslides
Occurrence of a strong earthquake  

Elevated areas: steeper slopes, more prone 

Thick soil cover: more loose materials to fall 

Proximity to fault: stronger shaking in areas near the earthquake-generating fault 

Water saturation of materials: wet slopes easier to landslide

Tsunami
sea waves resulting from the disturbance of ocean floor by an earthquake

A. This is a series of giant sea waves commonly generated by under-the-sea earthquakes and
whose heights could be greater than 5 meters.

B. Examples of recent tsunami events in the Philippines are the August 1976 Moro Gulf
Earthquake and Tsunami and the November 1994 Oriental Mindoro Earthquake and Tsunami
 What can we DO?
BEFORE EARTHQUAKE
I. The key to effective disaster prevention is planning.

A. Know the earthquake hazards in your area

B. Follow structural design and engineering practices when constructing a house or a

building

C. Evaluate structural soundness of the buildings and houses; strengthen or retrofit if

necessary

I. Prepare your homes, workplace or schools:

A. Strap or bolt heavy furniture, cabinets to the walls

B. Check the stability of hanging objects like ceiling fans and chandeliers

C. Breakable items, harmful chemicals and flammable materials should be stored

properly in the lowermost secured shelves

III. Familiarize yourself with the exit routes.

IV. Know where fire extinguishers, first aid kits, alarms and communication facilities are
located.Learn how to use them beforehand.

A. Prepare a handy emergency supply kit with first aid kit, canned food and can opener,
water, clothing, blanket, battery-operated radio, flashlights and extra batteries

V. Conduct and participate in regular earthquake drills

DURING EARTHQUAKE
I. When you are INSIDE a structurally sound building or home…STAY there! Do the “Duck,
Cover and Hold on”

A. If possible, quickly open the door for exit.

B. Duck under a sturdy desk or table, and hold on to it, or protect your head with your
arms

C. Stay away from glass windows, shelves and other heavy objects

D. Beware of falling objects. Be alert and keep your eyes open.

II. If you’re OUTSIDE.. move to an open area!

A. Stay away from trees, power lines, posts and concrete structures

B. Move away from steep slopes which may be affected by landslides

C. If you’re near the shore and feel an earthquake especially if it’s too strong, MOVE
QUICKLY TO HIGHER GROUNDS. Tsunamis might follow.

III. If you’re in a moving vehicle, STOP and get out! Do not attempt to cross bridges, overpasses
or flyovers which may have been damaged.

AFTER EARTHQUAKE
I. Be prepared for aftershocks. Once the shaking stops, take the fastest and safest way out of the

building.

II. DON’T…

A. …use elevators

B. …enter damaged buildings

C. …use telephone unless necessary

D. …PANIC

III. CHECK…

A. …yourself and others for injuries

B. ..water and electrical lines for damages

C. …for spills of chemical, toxic and flammable materials

D. …and control fires which may spread

IV. If you need to evacuate your residence, leave a message stating where you are going and
bring your emergency supply kit

V. Keep updated on disaster prevention instructions form battery-operated radios.