Philippines Earthquake Effects in Two Countries

The Philippines is located in a risk area, the Pacific Ring of Fire, and the intersection of tectonic plates. That’s why earthquakes often occur there. The recent case is a 7.8 M earthquake in Mindanao, Philippines. This big earthquake was caused by active tectonic plate movement. The Philippines earthquake effects in Indonesia were terrible and caused other disasters.

What are Philippines Earthquake Effects?

An earthquake comes with its complex effects. It causes significant material losses to local communities. These large earthquakes can also trigger other disasters with their worse damage.

1. Infrastructure Damages

The most common losses after a disaster are infrastructure damage. Activities are hampered, including evacuation processes and aid distribution. The repairment also requires cost and time. The infrastructure in Indonesia is not damaged because the epicenter is quite far.

Infrastructure damage in the Philippines reached 1.36 billion pesos (Rp400 billion). It is cumulative damage in the Zamboanga Peninsula, Soccsksargen, Davao, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Power and communication networks were also disrupted, along with 19 roads and nine bridges.

2. Residences and Public Facilities Damages

Besides infrastructure, residential areas also suffered damage in the same region. A total of 61,119 housing units were damaged, of which 13,691 were destroyed. Numerous public facilities, like offices, schools, places of worship, etc., were damaged. Significant damage occurred to schools throughout Mindanao.

In Indonesia, North Sulawesi Province was the most affected, with 53 units suffering from minor to severe damage. Residents' homes and public facilities were also damaged in the Sangihe Islands, North Minahasa Regency, and West Likupang District.

3. Fatalities in the Philippines

Indonesia had no fatalities in this case. In the Philippines, a total of 78 people were reported dead after being buried under damaged buildings. The major case is from Soccsksargen (33). Other victims came from Sarangani Province (18), General Santos City (12), South Cotabato (3), and Davao (4).

4. Injuries in the Philippines

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake also caused injuries. According to authorities, 479 people were injured in the Philippines. In Indonesia, the number of injuries was less significant. Three people in North Sulawesi were injured.

5. Aftershock

Several aftershocks occurred after the mainshock, 7.8 M. The situation still unstable and traumatic. Residents stayed outside buildings and open areas as aftershocks continued until more than 200 aftershocks were recorded. They ranged from 3.9 to 6.7 M.

6. Landslides

Landslides are other disaster after earthquakes struck Philippines with big magnitude. Some regions hit by landslides, include Sarangani and Davao Occidental Provinces. Landslides blocked rivers from upstream to downstream.

7. Tsunamis in Two Countries

Caused by the earthquake, a tsunami reached 2.2 meters in the Philippines in Salaman and Kalamansig. In Lebak and Sultan Kudarat, the waves reached 2.5 meters.

A minor tsunami also hit Indonesia, specifically in seven areas with various heights of waves. Based on data, reported that Kedi, North Maluku (0.09 m), Ulu Siau (0.18 m), Melonguane (0.19 m), Tahuna, North Sulawesi (0.30 m), and Tanjung, Sidupa, North Sulawesi (0.32 m). Two other areas with heights above 0.30 m were Paleleh, Central Sulawesi (0.45 m), and Talengan, North Sulawesi (0.75 m).

The Role of the Tsunami Early Warning System

The Philippines earthquake effects caused tsunamis in several areas across the Philippines and Indonesia. Tsunami early warning systems have been implemented and are very helpful in mitigating and preventing the risk. This is the role of tsunami early warning systems.

1. Detects the Potential Signs

Early warning systems obtain data from detectors that monitor for signs of disaster. Tsunami warning systems use various detectors that consist of seismographs, buoys, tide gauges, and underwater vibration sensors. All of them provide accurate monitoring data, which is then transmitted to the control center.

2. Gives the Early Warning

The control center receives data from the detectors and then analyzes it using tsunami parameters. If a threatening situation is detected, the control center sends a command to the warning system to give a warning signal. The signal is both in the sounds of an alarm or siren, and an emergency message.

3. Optimizes the Evacuation Process and Minimizes Risks

The evacuation process can be optimized by providing early warning signals. Before a tsunami occurs, the public can be aware first and evacuate more quickly. This prevention can reduce risks and increase safety. Finally, it prevents loss of life and shortages of food, clothing, and other risks.

Recognizing the potential of the Philippines earthquake effects to trigger other disasters, the government needs to optimize its warning system. All earthquake and tsunami warning systems must be provided to give early warning and evacuation alert for minimizing risk and optimizing safety. The system's components must meet the requirements.

Besides providing an audio warning, emergency messages play a crucial role in providing clear and comprehensive information. It allows the public to understand emergency cases or disasters and quickly evacuate. These messages can be sent in real-time through a sending machine based on SMS (Short Message Service). Product photos and specifications can be accessed at smsbroadcaster.com.