CEBU CITY — The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-Phivolcs) will launch the Metro Cebu Earthquake Model (MCEM) Atlas on Wednesday here.
Department of Science and Technology- Central Visayas (DOST-7) Regional Director EdilbertoParadela said in a forum Tuesday that the Atlas contains Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) maps that will help in earthquake risk reduction efforts in Metro Cebu.
“This is called a Metro Cebu Earthquake hazard Atlas. The Atlas is an information through a map that will show you the potential intensity that you may experience from an earthquake. The map will also provide information on what magnitude may happen in a particular area,” Paradela said.
The Atlas is a seismic ground motion hazard assessment specific for Metro Cebu, which has various earthquake sources including the Central Cebu Fault System.
The Central Cebu Fault System transects Danao City, Compostela, Cebu City, Talisay City, Minglanilla, Naga City, Balamban, and Toledo City.
The MCEM Atlas aims to minimize the damage to building and infrastructure in case a strong earthquake hits the area.
Paradela said the Atlas is a big help to government agencies, local government units (LGU), building contractors, and engineers.
“It (Atlas) is really helpful because if you will build low-rise buildings and you are the engineer or you are the local government unit in the area, it’s now easy to fully check the structure of the building and how it will respond to the particular magnitude and intensity of an earthquake. An LGU can base its decision from it in the issuance of a building permit,” he said.
He also said the Atlas that will be launched Wednesday is limited because it’s expensive and their priority will be the LGUs and stakeholders.
“For now, our priority is the LGUs, as well as the stakeholders, contractor associates, and maybe the local media. If there will be funding, we can distribute it to all. We cannot easily reproduce it because it is expensive,” the DOST-7 director said.
Paradela assured that everyone can access the Atlas soon because they are planning to put it online.
“I will make sure that we will be putting this particular Atlas online for easy access,” he said. (With Bebie Jane Casipong/PNA)
