The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) commemorates the 1968 Casiguran Earthquake on its 50th year this August 2, 2018.
A magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck the town of Casiguran, Aurora on August 2, 1968 at 4:19 AM (PST). The earthquake caused large fissures with lengths measuring from 10 to 20 meters but in some areas, it reached a length of 400 to 500 meters. Fissures on the road from Casiguran to Barrio Tabas produced a surface subsidence up to two meters. Landslides were observed in the mountainous area near the epicenter and tsunami was recorded according to the observation in tide gauge station in Japan.
Rossi-Forel Earthquake Intensity VII was recorded in Manila in spite of its location being far from the epicenter. The Ruby Tower, a six-storey building in Binondo, Manila, collapsed instantly during the quake killing 268 people. Several buildings such as Aloha Theater, Philippine Bar Association Building, National Library, and Liwayway Hotel in Manila sustained varying levels of structural damages. The 1968 Casiguran Earthquake is said to be one of the most destructive earthquakes in the Philippines.
This event paved the way for the establishment of the National Committee on Disaster Operations (NCDO) under the Administrative Order No. 151 on December 2, 1968. Republic Act 6541, An Act to Ordain and Institute a National Building Code of the Philippines was also enacted in 1972.
On the 50th year of the 1968 Casiguran Earthquake, PHIVOLCS will be conducting a symposium and exhibit on August 2, 2018 at Minor Basilica of Black Nazarene (Quiapo Church), Manila.
PHIVOLCS encourages everyone to look back and remember not only the tragedy, but also the lessons we learned. Let us keep our communities safe from and resilient to natural hazards and disasters.
For more information, contact:
Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr.
Undersecretary for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change, DOST
and Officer-in-Charge, PHIVOLCS
Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology
PHIVOLCS Bldg., C.P. Garcia Ave., UP Diliman Campus, Quezon City
Tel. No: (02) 926 2611 or (02) 426-1468 to 79
www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph
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