EARTHQUAKE-triggered calamities like landslides and tsunamis can now be detected through a new and high technology instrument the government has acquired.

In a forum at the Philippine Information Agency, a proud Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) director Renato Solidum said that by using a hazard and risk simulation software, the agency will be able to determine if there is liquefaction or sudden softening of soil that leads to a landslide in an earthquake-stricken area on or after a temblor of any intensity.   

Through the Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment System software which Phivolcs and the Department of Science and Technology introduced using the Geographic Information System (GIS), the government can now give early warnings to residents that will help prevent casualties.

The technology will be distributed to the local government units for free under the Aquino administration’s disaster and risk reduction and mitigation program.

According to Solidum, there are 20 provinces in the country which are already using and have been taught how to use the newly-introduced software for their earthquake preparedness.

"Ang layunin natin dito ay ibahagi sa mga lokal na pamahalaan ang lahat ng mga hazard map (at teknolohiya) na binuo ng national government," the Phivolcs chief said.

The government is planning to add to the present 66 seismic monitoring stations “unmanned” and hi-tech stations which automatically report via satellite information in connection with soil movements from any part of the globe.

Through the new instrument Phivolcs can now monitor closely events and activities of the Taal and Mayon volcanoes from its main office in Quezon City.

Also lined up for year 2012 is the installment of community-based early warning system for tsunamis in coastal areas.

The sensitive sensors are to be initially placed in priority areas near Manila Bay, Batangas Bay, Lingayen Gulf, Subic Bay and Albay Gulf.