Recent Natural Disasters | Calamities | Hazards

In the Philippines, being situated in the Pacific Ring of Fire, natural disasters like typhoons are common occurrences. These typhoons can bring strong winds and heavy rains, posing significant challenges to homeowners. However, with thoughtful design and innovative solutions, it's possible to create small, affordable houses that can withstand the fury of typhoons. Let's explore some typhoon-proof house designs suitable for the Philippines: Elevated structures: Building houses on stilts or raised platforms can help protect them from flooding during typhoons. This design also allows for better airflow, which can help mitigate the impact of strong winds. Strong, durable materials: Using materials such as reinforced concrete, metal roofing, and impact-resistant glass can help make houses more resilient to typhoon damage. These materials are better able to withstand strong winds and flying debris. Sloped roofs: A steeply sloped roof can help prevent water from pooling and causing l

February 05, 2024: In a devastating turn of events, the southern Philippines has been battered by severe flooding and landslides, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 20 lives. The disaster struck the provinces of Davao de Oro and Davao del Norte, where torrential rains triggered by a northeast monsoon and a low-pressure area wreaked havoc from Jan. 28 to Feb. 2. According to officials from the provincial disaster agencies, 13 individuals lost their lives in Davao de Oro, with two more missing, while seven fatalities were reported in neighboring Davao del Norte. The calamity has left over 812,000 people affected, forcing approximately 85,000 individuals to seek refuge in evacuation centers. Sadly, this catastrophe is not an isolated incident. Just weeks prior, in mid-January, 18 lives were claimed by floods and landslides caused by heavy rains in the same region. Landslides and floods are unfortunately common in the Philippines, a nation of over 7,600 islands that is battered by ap

May 8, 2023 - A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck the town of Maconacon in Isabela province at 4:48 am on May 8, 2023. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that the earthquake was tectonic in origin, with its epicenter located at a depth of 24 kilometers. The earthquake was felt in several nearby towns and cities, including Tuguegarao City in Cagayan, which is approximately 150 kilometers away from Maconacon. The shaking caused panic among residents, with many running out of their homes and buildings. According to PHIVOLCS, there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties. However, they advised the public to remain vigilant and to expect aftershocks. The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the local government of Maconacon have conducted an assessment of the area and are coordinating with other government agencies to ensure the safety of the residents. Earthquakes are common in the Philippines, which sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismi

May 4, 2023 - A 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck the province of Isabela on Tuesday morning, causing mild to moderate shaking in the area. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported that the epicenter of the earthquake was located 14 kilometers northeast of Palanan town, Isabela, and it occurred at 9:06 am. According to Phivolcs, the earthquake was tectonic in origin and had a depth of 6 kilometers. Although there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage to structures, the earthquake was felt at Intensity IV in Palanan and Intensity III in neighboring towns of Divilacan and Maconacon. Reports suggest that the earthquake caused the ground to shake and sway, which led to some panic and evacuation of homes. Some schools and businesses in the affected areas were temporarily closed as a precautionary measure. The earthquake followed a series of earthquakes that struck the island of Luzon a few days ago, with a 6.1-magnitude earthquake hitting Zambales

The Philippines is frequently struck by natural disasters due to its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire and the regular occurrence of typhoons (Barbosa, 2019). These disasters have included earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, floods, and typhoons, causing significant loss of life and property damage. A notable example is Typhoon Haiyan, which hit the country in November 2013, resulting in over 6,000 deaths, affecting over 16 million people, and causing damage to property worth approximately $2.86 billion (NDRRMC, 2013). Besides typhoons, earthquakes are another significant threat to the Philippines, given its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire. For example, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck the island of Bohol in October 2013, killing over 200 people and causing extensive damage to property and infrastructure (Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, 2013). Moreover, the country experiences frequent volcanic eruptions, as seen in January 2020 when the Taal V

October 12, 2021:  Typhoon Kompas u (called "Maring" in Philippines) has claimed lives of eleven people and left seven others missing in Philippines . More than 6,500 villagers have been evacuated from flood affected areas. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), fatalities have been reported from Benguet, Cagayan and Palawan province. The Philippines' National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) was on ALERT STATUS RED since the start of the natural disaster . According to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), Kompasu will make landfall in upper Vietnam on Wednesday or Thursday. Heavy rain is expected in Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon and Bueng Kan provinces in Thailand.

Q: Which plate pushes the Philippine plate toward the Eurasian plate? A:  The pacific plate pushes the Philippine plate toward the Eurasian plate. The pacific plate floats on the surface of the mantle which pushes the Philippines plate towards the Eurasian plate.

Q: What government agency is tasked to identify the intensity of earthquake in the Philippines? A: The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) is tasked to identify the intensity of earthquake in the Philippines.   PHIVOLCS operates 108 seismic monitoring stations all over the Philippines as of December 2020. PHIVOLCS is a service institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). It works providing services for warning, disaster preparedness and mitigation.  Related Post: List of recent natural disasters in Philippines

September 11, 2021: Chanthu (known as Kiko in the Philippines) is currently a Category 5 Super Typhoon which is forecast to pass over extreme Northern Luzon, Philippines and lash Taiwan within two days. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued TCWS No.4 over the northeastern portion of Babuyan Islands and the southern portion of Batanes. Typhoon Chanthu is located about 530 kilometers south-southeast of Taiwan's southernmost tip of Eluanbi as of 03:00 UTC today. The Central Weather Bureau (CWB) of Taiwan has already issued a land warning for Super Typhoon Chanthu. Super Typhoon Chanthu is forecast to continue turning north-northwest and weaken to a Category 4-equivalent before making landfall in southern Taiwan on Sept. 11. The storm's center is forecast to move near or over Taipei as a Category 2 storm.

June 14, 2021: An earthquake of magnitude 5.7 has been recorded near Cagayan de Oro (CDO)  today at 14:38 UTC, the United States Geological Survey confirmed. According to the USGS, earthquake's epicenter was located just 2 km NNW of Don Carlos, Philippines. The earthquake occurred at 10 km depth. The tremor was well felt across Northern Mindanao.

 October 17, 2020: An earthquake of magnitude 5.4 has been recorded today in Philippines at 04:06 am. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the earthquake's epicenter was located 23 km SW of Looc (Occidental Mindoro). Light intensity of MMI IV have been felt by the people of Calatagan, Batangas and Tagaytay City. No damage or injuries are expected from the earthquake. However, PHIVOLCS expects multiple aftershocks of minor magnitude from this earthquake.

August 18, 2020: A strong earthquake of magnitude 6.6 has been recorded in Masbate at 08:03 am today, the Philippines Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) confirmed. The earthquake was tectonic in origin and occurred at 21 km depth. The highest intensity of MMI VII has been reported from Cataingan, Masbate. Instrumental Intensities as recorded by PHIVOLCS Intensity V - Masbate City, Masbate Intensity IV - Palo, Leyte; City of Iloilo; City of Roxas, Capiz; Naval, Biliran; Intensity III - City of Bago, Negros Occidental; Malinao, Aklan; Pandan, Antique; Jamindan, Capiz; Ormoc City Intensity II - Gumaca, Quezon; San Jose de Buenavista, Antique; City of Sipalay, Negros Occidental; Valderrama, Antique; Sipocot, Camarines Sur; Talibon, Bohol; San Francisco, Cebu Intensity I - Malay, Aklan; City of Gingoog, Misamis Oriental

April 11, 2020:  An earthquake of magnitude 6.0 hit Basco, Batanes early Saturday morning, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) confirmed. According to the PHIVOLCS, the earthquake was tectonic in origin. The quake's epicenter was located around 13 km NE of Basco, Batanes. Intensity IV was felt in Basco, Itbayat, Mahatao, Ivana, Uyugan & Sabtang, Batanes; Calayan & Pamplona, Cagayan. The Batanes earthquake today is expected to cause aftershocks but no damage is expected. A magnitude 5.9 earthquake in Batanes in July 2019 killed nine people. The whole province of Batanes was placed under a state of calamity.

April 7, 2020: Magnitude 4.4 light earthquake has been recorded near Siquijor today at 08:30 pm local time. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the earthquake occurred at 18 km depth. The quake's epicenter was located 40 km N 87° E of Maria (Siquijor). The earthquake in Siquijor today was tectonic in nature. Weak tremor of intensity I has been felt in Sibulan, Negros Oriental. No damage or aftershocks are expected from the Siquijor earthquake.

March 3, 2020: A magnitude 4.9 earthquake rattles Zamboanga city today evening. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the quake's epicenter was located 16 km far from Siocon, Zamboanga Peninsula, Philippines.  The temblor was recorded at 10:55 p.m. Phivolcs said the quake was tectonic in origin and occurred at 34 kilometers depth. No damage or injuries have been recorded from earthquake in Zamboanga today.

January 22, 2020:  Taal volcano erupted white steam-laden plumes up to 500 meters high from its main crater in Philippines. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), a total of 725 volcanic earthquakes have been recorded in Taal region as of January 22, 2020. Around 176 earthquakes were felt ranging from magnitude 1.2 - 4.1 and intensity of I-V. Looking the forecast of Taal volcano, if the eruption column remains at 3.0 km or below, the ash plumes will be drifted to the municipalities southwest and west of Taal volcano. A total 71,717 families were affected in the provinces of Batangas, Queszon, Laguna and Cavite. A total of 64 flights were reported cancelled due to the volcanic ash from Taal volcano. A level 4 alert is still in effect from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Technology (PHIVOLCS).

January 19, 2020: An earthquake of magnitude 4.2 has been recorded in Mabini, Batangas on Sunday night, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported. According to the Phivolcs, the earthquake's epicenter was located 5 kilometers south of Mabini.The earthquake was tectonic in origin. The earthquake intensity I was felt in Tagaytay City. We also don't expect any damage from this earthquake. Apart from this, no severe earthquake is possible in this area. The fault line in Mabini lies underneath a volcano and is only capable of generating moderate-sized earthquakes.

Ongoing phreatic explosion at the Main Crater  of Taal Volcano (@phivolcs_dost) January 12, 2020: The Taal volcano eruption in Philippines has spewed ash and prompted evacuations in nearby communities on Sunday. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised its alert level for Taal Volcano to four out of five. The alert system has five levels with Alert Level 5 meaning a hazardous eruption is in progress. CNN Philippines reported from its twitter handle (@cnnphilippines) that the ashfall was reported in metro Manila, located about 101 km north of the Taal volcano. All the flights, both arrival and departures, at Ninoy Aquino International Airport are temporarily suspended. Two volcanic earthquakes of magnitudes 2.5 and 3.9 were felt in Tagaytay City and Alitagtag, Batangas. All classes within the provinces of Cavite, Batangas and Rizal has been canceled for Monday, January 13, 2020. due to heavy ashfall. Manila City Mayor Isko Mo

December 3, 2019: Two people have been killed after Typhoon Tisoy (Kammuri) lashed Philippines forcing evacuation of around 200,000 people. Typhoon Kammuri hit the main Luzon island just before midnight local time on Tuesday (16:00 GMT on Monday).  The Philippine disaster agency has marked Category-4-equivalent typhoon and asked locals to be alert for possible landslides, storm surges and floods triggered by heavy winds and rain. The Ninoy Aquino International Airport was shut from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA, said that the Typhoon Tisoy will bring heavy rainfall in Southern Luzon, Central Luzon and Metro Manila until Wednesday morning. Also several sporting events of the South East Asian Game 2019 have either been rescheduled for a later date or have been cancelled altogether due to Typhoon Tisoy.  Philippines deadliest cyclone on record was Super Typhoon Haiyan in 2013 , which

Earthquake damage at Cor Jesu College (Bert Jhonzeen Barimbad Teogangco/Facebook) October 29, 2019: Cor Jesu College building have been fully damaged after two strong earthquakes jolt Davao Region this month .  Today, magnitude .6 strong earthquake rattled Philippines with epicenter located 14 km W of Bual, Soccsksargen, Philippines. Cor Jesu College is a Roman Catholic educational institution located in Digos City, Philippines. OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF COR JESU COLLEGE issued on October 8, 2019 In these difficult times that Cor Jesu College community are facing, we are grateful to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and to the support of many individuals and organizations. To ensure safety of everyone, the city government of Digos, sent a composite team of the BFP, DPWH and CDRRMC to assess and evaluate the buildings of the school. The representatives of the Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines (ASEP) also came to do their assessment. In addition