Manila: Remembering the 1976 Moro Gulf earthquake and tsunami is important since remembering is part of preparedness, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Director Teresito Bacolcol said on Monday. "Fifty years have passed since the Moro Gulf earthquake and tsunami, so there is a tendency that people have already forgotten how devastating it was. The hazard is still there, so the public needs to keep the lessons of 1976 alive, especially for the younger generation," Bacolcol told the Philippine News Agency in an interview.
According to Philippines News Agency, Phivolcs, in a news release, said the magnitude 8.1 earthquake struck Sultan Kudarat and neighboring provinces on Aug. 17, 1976. This generated a tsunami about nine meters high, which devastated the municipality of Lebak the most. The tsunami also caused extensive coastal damage in the municipalities of Kalamansig and Palimbang, severely affecting fishing communities and leaving widespread damage. "It devastated more than 700 kilometers of coastline bordering Moro Gulf in the North Celebes Sea," Phivolcs added.
Bacolcol emphasized that strong earthquakes can happen anytime, and that no one can predict exactly when they will occur. "But we can prepare. Especially those who live near the coast, they should know the natural signs of an impending local tsunami," he said. "Don't wait for an official warning if they feel a strong or prolonged shaking, or if they notice an abrupt change in sea level, or if there is a roaring sound from the sea. Move immediately to higher ground or farther inland as there could be a tsunami," he stressed.
Meanwhile, Phivolcs, in collaboration with municipal government of Lebak and the province of Sultan Kudarat, has prepared several activities in commemoration of the Moro Gulf earthquake, and these include the ceremonial unveiling of the first commemorative marker on the eastern side of Moro Gulf, Celebes Sea, on August 17 at the Provincial Capitol Extension; and exhibits and seminar. "This is not just about remembering what happened in 1976. It's also an opportunity to learn about our earthquake and tsunami hazards, the natural warning signs, and what we should do during an emergency," Bacolcol said.
