As recent strong earthquakes continue to raise concerns across the country, seismologists are reminding Filipinos that the Philippines sits near several active ocean trenches capable of generating powerful earthquakes and tsunamis.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), six major active trenches surround the country:
Manila Trench East Luzon Trough Philippine Trench Negros Trench Sulu Trench Cotabato TrenchExperts have previously identified the Manila Trench, Philippine Trench, and Negros Trench among the offshore fault systems capable of producing earthquakes exceeding Magnitude 8.0 under certain conditions.
The advisory comes amid renewed public attention on earthquake preparedness following several significant seismic events recorded in different parts of the country in recent weeks.
While PHIVOLCS emphasizes that earthquakes cannot be predicted, authorities continue to encourage households, schools, and businesses to review emergency plans, prepare disaster kits, and familiarize themselves with evacuation procedures.
The Philippines lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the most seismically active regions in the world, making earthquake preparedness a continuing necessity rather than an occasional precaution.
Source: DOST-PHIVOLCS
