nSouthern Leyte residents are urged to avoid six areas affected by landslides and rockfall following a magnitude 5.8 earthquake that struck the province on January 23, 2025. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) issued the advisory after documenting five earthquake-induced landslides and a rockfall in the towns of San francisco,Liloan,and Pintuyan.
The landslides were recorded in Pres. Quezon village in Liloan; Malico, Tuno, and Pinamudlan villages in San Francisco town; and Nueva Estrella Norte and Nueva Estrella Sur villages in Pintuyan town. A rockfall was also documented along Liloan Roadcut within the national highway that links Luzon to mindanao.
“Avoid areas that might potentially be affected by landslides that may be triggered by strong ground shaking or prolonged and heavy rain,” Phivolcs stated. The agency emphasized that earthquake-induced landslides, rockfalls, and other types of mass movement may occur on sloping terrains, notably in mountainous or hilly areas.
The warning comes as Southern Leyte continues to experience aftershocks following the strong ground shaking on January 23. In the past three days,Phivolcs has recorded at least 20 plotted earthquakes in the province.
Southern Leyte and its neighboring provinces are situated in one of the seismically active regions in the Archipelago.The presence of onshore and offshore active faults, particularly the Philippine Fault and its segments, generates high seismicity in the area. Additionally, there are local faults nearby, some potentially buried by recent deposits, which have the potential to cause minor to strong earthquakes.
The strong quake on January 23 struck 10.01 km southeast of the municipality of San Francisco. the event has left visible damage in several areas, including roads and houses, and disrupted classes in the region [[1]].
| Location | Type of incident |
|---|---|
| Pres.Quezon village, Liloan | Landslide |
| Malico, Tuno, Pinamudlan villages, San Francisco | Landslide |
| Nueva Estrella Norte and Nueva Estrella Sur villages, Pintuyan | Landslide |
| Liloan roadcut, national highway | Rockfall |
Residents are advised to stay vigilant and avoid the affected areas to ensure their safety. For the latest updates on earthquake facts, always refer to the official Phivolcs website.
Expert Insights on Earthquake-Induced Landslides in Southern Leyte
Table of Contents
On January 23, 2025, a magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck Southern Leyte, triggering landslides and rockfalls in several areas. To understand the implications of this seismic event, Senior Editor of World Today News, Clara Rodriguez, sat down wiht Dr. Elena Santos, a renowned geologist specializing in earthquake-induced hazards. Hear’s their in-depth conversation on the impacts, risks, and precautions for residents in the affected regions.
The Immediate Aftermath of the Earthquake
Clara Rodriguez: Dr. Santos, can you briefly describe the immediate effects of the earthquake in Southern Leyte?
Dr. Elena Santos: Certainly, Clara. The earthquake caused significant ground shaking, which led to landslides in several villages, including Pres. Quezon in Liloan,Malico,Tuno,and Pinamudlan in San Francisco,and Nueva Estrella Norte and Sur in Pintuyan. Additionally, a rockfall was reported along the Liloan Roadcut on the national highway, affecting a critical transportation route. These incidents damaged roads, houses, and disrupted daily activities, including classes in the region.
Understanding Earthquake-Induced Landslides
Clara Rodriguez: What makes certain areas more susceptible to landslides after an earthquake?
Dr. Elena Santos: southern Leyte’s terrain plays a significant role. The province is mountainous and hilly, with steep slopes that become unstable during strong ground shaking. The presence of loose soil and rock, combined with the intensity of the earthquake, can trigger landslides. Additionally, prolonged rainfall can exacerbate these conditions, making the slopes even more vulnerable.
Long-Term Risks and Safety Measures
Clara Rodriguez: what are the long-term risks for residents in these areas, and what precautions should they take?
Dr. Elena Santos: The long-term risks include the potential for more landslides, especially if aftershocks occur or if the region experiences heavy rainfall.Residents should avoid slopes and areas prone to landslides, even after the immediate danger has passed. It’s also crucial for local authorities to conduct thorough geological assessments and implement preventive measures, such as slope stabilization and early warning systems.
The Role of Phivolcs in Disaster Response
Clara Rodriguez: How has the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and seismology (Phivolcs) responded to this event?
Dr. Elena Santos: Phivolcs has been proactive in monitoring the situation. they’ve issued advisories urging residents to avoid landslide-prone areas and have been tracking aftershocks, which have numbered at least 20 in the past three days. Their website provides real-time updates and detailed earthquake details, which is invaluable for both residents and local officials.
Southern Leyte’s Seismic Activity
Clara Rodriguez: Why is Southern Leyte particularly prone to earthquakes?
Dr. Elena Santos: southern Leyte is located in one of the most seismically active regions in the Philippines, primarily due to the presence of the Philippine Fault and its segments. Additionally, there are local faults in the area, some of which might potentially be buried under recent deposits. This high seismicity makes the province vulnerable to both minor and strong earthquakes.
Conclusion
Dr.Elena Santos emphasized the importance of vigilance and preparedness in earthquake-prone areas like Southern Leyte. Residents should heed advisories from Phivolcs and avoid landslide-prone zones to ensure their safety.The collaboration between scientists, local authorities, and communities is essential to mitigate the risks posed by seismic events and their aftermath.
