TO DATE, yesterday's earthquake that was felt in Davao City has to be the strongest. At 9:04 a.m. a magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck Tulunan, Cotabato. It was felt in neighboring areas.
An Intensity VI earthquake was felt in Davao City. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Earthquake Intensity Scale (PEIS), an intensity "is a measure of how an earthquake is felt in a certain area, based on the relative effects of an earthquake on structures and surroundings."
Intensity VI is considered very strong. Indications that it was an Intensity VI earthquake are furniture and other heavy objects are displaced; wall plaster may crack; people may lose balance; small church bells may ring; if on the road, it may feel like driving with flat tires; very old or poorly built houses and man-made structures are slightly damaged though well-built structures are not affected; limited rockfalls and rolling boulders occur in hilly to mountainous areas and escarpments; amd trees shake.
While a number of photos of people evacuating and some injured have went viral on social media, photos of damaged structures around Davao City and other affected areas have also went viral online.
Netizens have also sent photos to SunStar Davao of structures in their areas that have been damaged by the earthquake. Initially they have asked us to share the photos but later on requested that it not be shared on social media.
A photo of a heavily damaged structure of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) also went viral.
The city government of Davao, through the Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC), also issued a report that as of 11:45 a.m. yesterday, 28 schools and establishments have reported that there are minor cracks on the walls of their structures. It was also reported that a mall had major cracks and another mall in the south had major damages. There was also a reported incline at the commercial complex along C.M. Recto.
Among the many things that had people worried is the safety of the structures where they work. Safety officers and engineers may certify that the building is safe or that damages are only minor. However, to the public who just experienced such a strong earthquake, it would be no surprise that they have casted doubts on these statements.
To the eyes of the public, a damaged building after the earthquake is an unsafe building. The management of these structures have to do more than say "The building is safe" or "These are just minor damages."
For starters, they could be transparent with the damages that happened to the building. Next they could provide an explanation why it is still safe and why it is considered minor. Then they can issue a statement what they hope to do to strengthen the structure or avoid damages.
The local government unit might want to conduct a thorough investigation of large structures in the city especially where a lot of people converge like malls, schools, office buildings, and residential towers. It might also want to check older structures too. The city could also strengthen the implementation of its building code.
An investigation on building contractors must also be done. Regulatory bodies must ensure that those who have been tasked to build our structures are doing the right job and are not using substandard products. We would also like to suggest that contractors be more transparent with their work -- what material are they using? What are their methods? What is the process?
After the recent earthquake, the public also want to know if the buildings where they live, work, learn, and play are safe.