12

Disaster
Readiness and
Risk Reduction
Quarter 1 – Module 6
Earthquake Hazard

1
 What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you
understand Earthquake Hazards. This module provides discussions and activities
that will help you learn the concepts, ideas, and relevant information about the
lesson. This module emphasizes the guidelines, and importance of disaster readiness,
risk reduction, and management in connection to the hazard being discussed.

The module is all about Earthquake Hazards.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Identify various potential earthquake hazards.

2. Recognize the natural signs of an impending tsunami.
3. Analyze the effects of the different earthquake hazards.

What I Know

Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate sheet of
paper.

1. Mixing of sediments and groundwater due to a strong earthquake will

result to what hazard? A. Landslide
B. Tsunami
C. Liquefaction
D. Ground shaking

2. Which of the following is a natural sign of an impending tsunami? A.

Earthquake in the coastal area.
B. High tide and low tide.
C. Elevated sea level.
D. Murky sea water.

3. Which of the following is the first phenomenon recognized during a

tsunami? A. Enormous volume of water will hit the shore for several
minutes.
B. Coastal areas are flooded, a phenomenon known as inundation.
C. A series of waves, or wave trains, are visible.
D. Retreating of seawater.

2
4. What factor increases the intensity of ground shaking? A. A weaker
earthquake.
B. Close proximity from the epicenter.
C. Strong structural foundations of buildings.
D. Compact or compressed sediments in the ground.

5. Which of the following is a secondary effect of earthquakes?

A. Ground rupture
B. Ground motion
C. Subsidence
D. Fire

6. What factor can exacerbate earthquake-induced landslides?

A. Heavy rain C. Unconsolidated rocks
B. Over-steepened slopes D. All choices

7. What causes ground shaking in an earthquake event? A. Passage of

seismic waves.
B. Presence of loose, granular sediments.
C. Continuous accumulation of potential energy.
D. Strength of rocks overcome accumulated strain.

8. What are the physical effects of a tsunami? A. Decline in the fishing

industry.
B. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
C. Displaced coastal communities.
D. Discontinuity of traditions and customs of coastal communities.

9. What is the outcome of ground shaking? A. Ground stabilization.

B. Cliffs and sloping ground stabilized.
C. Mixing of sand or soil, and groundwater.
D. Compression of unconsolidated sediments.

10. What earthquake hazard can cause fissuring, and sinking and tilting
of structures? A. Landslide
B. Fire
C. Tsunami
D. Liquefaction

3
 Lesson

6 Earthquake Hazards

The Philippines ranked third as the most disaster-prone country in the world
based on the World Risk Report 2018. It is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire where
seismic activities are very active making the country prone to earthquakes. The
Philippines experienced the deadliest and most destructive earthquakes for the past
50 years based on records. In August 17, 1976, an estimated 5,000 people died in
Moro Gulf after a 7.9 magnitude earthquake and a tsunami. A 7.8 magnitude
earthquake also hits northern and central Luzon, specifically the cities of Baguio,
Cabanatuan, and Dagupan as the most devastated, in July 16, 1990 resulting to the
death of more than 2000 people.

What’s In

Can you still recall some of the natural and human-induced hazards
mentioned in the last module? In a separate sheet of paper, answer the following
questions:

1. What is a hazard?
2. What are the three main classifications of hazards? Define each
classification of hazard.
3. What are the three categories of natural hazards? Give at least three
examples under each category of natural hazard.
4. What are the examples of technological hazards or environmental
degradation that occurred or might happen in our country? Give at least
five examples.
5. How do these hazards affect you, your family, and your community? Give
at least three effects.

Activity 1. A Nightmare to Remember

Do you have a personal experience of an earthquake? What did you feel? If
you haven’t experienced an earthquake yet, do you know someone who has
experienced this natural disaster? Try to interview them and gather information. Let
him or her recall the experience from this deadly geological phenomenon. Answer the
questions below and write down the answers in a separate sheet.

4
Ask yourself or ask these questions to your interviewee:

1. Where and when did this earthquake event occur?

2. What happened during an earthquake? Give at least 5 scenarios.
3. What are the negative impacts or effects of an earthquake?

What is It

Earthquake
Earthquake is the sudden or rapid shaking of the ground due to the release
of potential energy stored in rocks. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and
Seismology (PHIVOLCS) is the service institute of the Department of Science and
Technology (DOST) that is mandated to monitor and study disasters that may be
caused by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and other geotectonic phenomena. The
scientific study of earthquake is seismology and an expert in earthquake is called a
seismologist. The instrument used in recording seismic waves is a seismograph,
and the record of this ground shaking is a seismogram.

In every occurrence of an earthquake, seismologists are locating its origin deep

down the crust, which is called the focus or the hypocenter. The location in the
surface directly above the focus or hypocenter is called the epicenter. Violent
shaking occurs in the epicenter. As the distance from the focus and epicenter
increases, the shaking of the ground decreases.

An earthquake can be described through its magnitude and intensity. The

magnitude of an earthquake is an estimate of the amount of energy released at the
focus or origin of the earthquake. The magnitude of an earthquake is recorded by an
instrument called seismograph. Richter scale is used for the quantitative measure of
the earthquake’s magnitude, and it is reported in Arabic numerals (ex. Magnitude
6.7 or 7.4). The higher the number, the greater is the magnitude of the earthquake.
The strongest ever recorded magnitude of an earthquake was 9.5 which occurred in
1960 in Chile, South America according to United States Geological Survey (USGS).
Meanwhile, an intensity of an earthquake refers to the degree of shaking or the
severity of its effects on the earth’s surface. Intensity scales developed and used are
the Rossi-Forel Scale, or the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale. These are reported in
Roman Numerals (ex. Intensity Scale of VIII or IX). In the PHIVOLCS Earthquake
Intensity Scales (PEIS) of VIII, IX, and X, the shaking of an earthquake is classified
as Very Destructive, Devastating, and Completely Devastating.

Please remember that aftershocks or smaller earthquakes occur after a major

or main earthquake.

Earthquake Hazards and its Effects

Earthquake hazards include ground shaking, ground rupture, liquefaction,
landslide, tsunami, and fire. Table 1 shows an overview on earthquake hazards.

5
Table 1. Overview on Earthquake Hazards

Earthquake Characteristics/Features Negative Effects

Hazards
1. Ground • Up-down and lateral movement or • Buildings vibrate
Shaking vibration of the ground (shake) as a result of
• Caused by the passage of body and ground shaking
surface seismic waves • Buildings and other
structures that can’t
Intensity of ground shaking depends withstand ground
on: shaking can have
damages, can be
• Magnitude of an earthquake: the
destroyed, or can
greater the magnitude, the greater
collapse
the severity of the ground shaking
• Can cause landslide and
• Distance from the epicenter: The
liquefaction
greatest severity of the ground
shaking is near the epicenter, and
decreases away from the epicenter
Geologic condition of the area: a
loose unconsolidated sediment is
prone to more severe ground
shaking
2. Ground • The offset or deformation of the • Ground cracks
Rupture land surface due to movement of • Many structures can
(surface the fault have damages such as
faulting or • This geologic phenomenon houses, commercial
commonly happens in shallow buildings, bridges,
surface
earthquakes roads and highways,
rupture) tunnels and canals
• Structures present
across fault zones can
collapse
3. Liquefaction • It happens when ground shaking • Ground failure
due to moderate or intense • Weakened support to
earthquake results to the mixing of building foundations
body of sediments (sand or soil) and which may eventually
ground water, and as a sink or tilt
consequence, the ground becomes
• Buildings or structures
soft and could no longer support
in the liquefactionprone
structures that will eventually sink
or tilt area can have extensive
• It can lead to ground failure damages
4. Landslide It is a mass movement rocks, soil and • Erosion
debris down the slope primarily due • Destruction of
to the action of gravity. However, buildings and other
landslides can also be triggered by structures
moderate and strong earthquakes • Landslides can
partially or completely
block sections of
roads

6
5. Tsunami • The word means harbor waves in • Coastlines or coastal
Japanese, is a series of waves areas are vulnerable to
generated by an earthquake that tsunamis.
occurs below or near the ocean floor • The height of tsunami
• It can also be generated by volcanic waves can reach more
eruption, landslide, meteorite or than 5 meters causing
asteroid impact displacing the water destruction of
in the ocean. properties and loss of
• Tsunamis are different from tidal lives
waves. Tidal waves are caused by the • Rapid, violent flooding
gravitational force between the earth in communities near
and moon, whereas tsunami waves coastal areas
are generated by the displacement of
the water in the ocean caused by the
movement of the fault under the sea
during an earthquake.
Tsunami is also different from storm
surge. Storm surge is the
heightening of sea level that occurs
during typhoons or hurricanes.
6. Fire It is associated with broken gas pipes Destruction of
and damaged electrical lines as a properties and loss of
result of damages caused by ground lives
shaking to buildings and other
infrastructures.

Two Types of Tsunami

1. Local tsunami – is generated within a hundred kilometers from the source
and is confined to coasts. This type of tsunami is caused by earthquakes and
landslides, or a pyroclastic flow.
2. Far field or Distant tsunami – tsunami waves that can travel from 1 to 24
hours before reaching the coastlines of the nearby countries.

Signs of an Impending Tsunami

1. If an earthquake occurs in the coastal region and it originated from the oceanic
crust, a possible tsunami can take place
2. Rapid fall in sea level may happen as the ocean water withdraws from the
coastline. After the water retreats, there is an abrupt surge of water towards
the coastline.
3. Unusual roaring sound which could be an approaching tsunami.

7
 What’s More

Activity 2. A Deadly Earthquake

Fill in Table 2 by enumerating the possible earthquake hazards that can occur and
its effects on the locations or places listed in the first column. Give at least two effects
for each earthquake hazard enumerated.

Table 2. Earthquake Hazards and its Effects

Possible Earthquake Effects of the

Location/Place
Hazards Earthquake Hazards

A. In your own house

B. In your own
community/barangay

C. In your school

D. Coastal area/beach

E. Factories or industrial
area

F. Mountains or hills

G. Reclaimed area

Answer the following questions:

1. How did you identify the earthquake hazards in each location or place?

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

2. Why are these places or locations prone to earthquake hazards? Explain your
answer for each location or place.

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

8
 3. What are the possible impacts or effects of these earthquake hazards to your
family?

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

Activity 3. The “BIG ONE” in Metro Manila

Read the portions of an article about an earthquake commonly known as the “Big
One” entitled ‘How strong an earthquake will the “BIG ONE” be? You need to sit down
for the answer’ from ABS-CBN News by Joyce Reyes-Aguila posted on May 2, 2019.

How strong an earthquake will the “BIG ONE” be? You need to sit down
for the answer

Just how strong will the “Big One” be? “The magnitude of this earthquake is
(estimated at) 7.2 based on the length of the West Valley Fault, which is around
100 kilometers long,” Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology
(PHIVOLCS) supervising science research specialist and geologist Jeffrey S.
Perez tells ANCX. “The whole of Metro Manila, parts of Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite,
and Laguna will experience an Intensity-Eight earthquake that is categorized
as “Very Destructive.”

A Metro Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study (MMEIRS) report Risk

Analysis Project in 2013 estimates that the strong quake will result in 31,000
human fatalities. This is apart from 14,000 people who will suffer very serious
injuries, an additional 112,000 cases of serious injury, and 385,000 slightly
injured. A total floor area of 88,142,000 square meters will be completely
collapsed, while 172,924,000 square meters will experience “slight to extensive
damage.” In total, the country is expected to experience an estimated economic
loss of around P2.269 trillion.

Are the recent strong earthquakes signs that the “Big One” will happen soon?
“(These) are reminders for us that the Philippines is a seismically active region,
being part of the Pacific Ring of Fire,” Perez, who is part of the institute’s
Geologic Disaster Awareness and Preparedness Division, explains. “In average,
the seismic network of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-
PHIVOLCS records at least 20 earthquakes every day (in the country).

“Based on paleoseismic studies and historical accounts of earthquakes, the

recurrence interval (frequency) of surface-rupturing events like largemagnitude
earthquakes along the Valley Fault System is (likely between) 400 to 600 years.
The last earthquake attributed to this fault happened in 1658

(Source: https://news.abs-
cbn.com/ancx/culture/spotlight/05/02/19/should-you-be-afraid-of-the-bigone)

Given with a short background about the “BIG ONE”, imagine all possible scenarios
in Metro Manila during and after this 7.2 Magnitude Earthquake. Complete Table 3
in a separate sheet of paper. Determine if the following earthquake hazards can
happen in Metro Manila if the “BIG ONE” occurs, and explain your answer. Then,
briefly describe each earthquake hazard as it occurs in Metro Manila. In the last
9
column, give three (3) impacts or effects of each earthquake hazard to Metro Manila,
specifically to its people or community, buildings and structures, environment, and
other aspects. Answer the guide questions given after the table.

Table 3. The “BIG ONE”: Its Hazards and Effects to Metro Manila

Earthquake Will it happen in Describe the Three (3) impacts

Hazards Metro Manila if earthquake or effects to
the “BIG ONE” hazard as it Metro Manila
occurs? Explain happens in Metro
why? Manila due to the
“BIG ONE”
1. Ground Shaking

2. Ground Rupture

3. Liquefaction

4. Landslide

5. Tsunami

6. Fire

Answer the following questions:

1. What makes Metro Manila vulnerable to the “Big One”?

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

2. What are the expected dangers when the West Valley Fault moves?

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

3. Is Metro Manila prepared for the “BIG ONE”? Explain your answer/s

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

10
 Activity 4. Tsunami!!! Is that you??
Familiarize yourselves with the correct information about tsunami.
There are ten (10) information listed below. Put a check (/) mark if
the information is correct about tsunami and a cross (X) mark if it is
incorrect before the number.

1. Tsunamis are formed by strong winds

2. A magnitude-2 undersea earthquakes can cause a destructive tsunami
3. All tsunamis are triggered by earthquakes
4. Approaching tsunami waves can be heard as an unusual rumbling sound
5. Before a tsunami arrives, one of the natural signs is the sudden retreat of
seawater
6. A strong earthquake with an epicenter below the ocean floor can generate a
tsunami
7. A tidal wave is usually larger than a tsunami wave
8. A super typhoon such as Yolanda can cause devastating tsunami
9. Move inland or in higher ground immediately after an earthquake in coastal
areas
10. Local tsunamis are safer compared to far field tsunamis

What I Have Learned

1. An earthquake is the rapid shaking of the Earth’s surface due to the release
of potential energy stored in rocks.
2. Earthquake hazards include ground shaking, ground rupture, liquefaction,
landslide, tsunami and fire
3. Earthquake hazards can cause damage or destruction to structures, other
properties and to the environment, and can injure or kill people and animals.
4. Signs of an impending tsunami include an earthquake originating in the
oceanic crust; sudden retreat of seawater before an abrupt surge or rise of
water towards the coastline; and an unusual roaring or rumbling sound of an
approaching tsunami wave.

What I Can Do

As of today, there are no scientific instruments to detect earthquakes before its

occurrence. Seismograph can only detect an ongoing earthquake event. There are no
instrument to warn people on the exact date and time an earthquake will occur. The
best way people can do is to increase their disaster preparedness and awareness on
earthquakes and its hazards. As a student, how can you help your community to be
prepared for an earthquake?

11
 Assessment

Multiple Choice. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the
chosen letter on a separate sheet of paper.

1. Which factor increases the occurrence of earthquake-induced landslides? A.

Mild precipitation or rainfall.
B. Greater slope inclination of land.
C. Ground is less saturated with water.
D. Weak weathering and shearing of rocks.

2. Which increases the severity of the effects of ground shaking to buildings and
infrastructures?
A. Construction of poorly designed buildings and infrastructures.
B. Construction of houses and buildings in a more stable ground.
C. Regular repair and maintenance of buildings and physical structures. D.
All choices

3. How does liquefaction occur?

A. If shaking occurs in the ground with unconsolidated materials that are
saturated with water.
B. The sediments in the ground have weaker strength and stiffness due to
earthquake shaking.
C. If shaking occurs in the ground with sediments that are transformed into
a liquefied state due to increase in pore-water pressure.
D. All choices

4. Which of the following phenomenon can generate tsunami?

A. Magnitude-8 earthquakes that occur below or near the ocean floor.
B. Gravitational pull between earth and moon.
C. Strong typhoons.
D. Strong wind.

5. What earthquake hazard is caused primarily by gravity?

A. Tsunami C. Subsidence
B. Liquefaction D. Landslide

6. What could be the physical impact of earthquakes? A. Depression and chronic

anxiety.
B. Loss of job due to displacement.
C. Widespread loss of housing.
D. Loss of sources of living.

7. What must be the immediate response of people upon seeing a drawback of

ocean water after an earthquake?
A. Wait for the surge of water to the coastline to confirm a tsunami.
B. Do the drop, cover, and hold on procedure.

12
 C. Stay in low-lying coastal areas.
D. Run for high grounds.

8. What causes a tsunami?

A. Earth’s rotation. C. Underwater seismic activity. B. Gravitation pull of
the moon. D. Liquefaction

9. What could be the impact of the “BIG ONE” caused by the movement of West
Valley Fault to Metro Manila?
A. A tsunami estimated to reach five to six meters high.
B. Damages to buildings and other structures.
C. Large-scale landslides.
D. Flooding

10. What could be the secondary effect of the “BIG ONE” caused by the movement
of West Valley Fault to Metro Manila?
A. Ground shaking C. Tsunami
B. Ground rupture D. Fire

Additional Activities

If you can have an internet connection, try to access the link provided and
watch a documentary entitled “The Japan Tsunami”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLVSpuQ4sk0

This documentary shows a magnitude-9 earthquake that hit northeastern

Japan generating a violent tsunami. In a separate sheet of paper, identify all
earthquake hazards shown in the documentary, and give eight (8) negative impacts
or effects caused by the savage earthquake and tsunami.

13