Philippine E-Journals

ESTIMATING RISKS: A CASE OF RAPID EARTHQUAKE DAMAGED ASSESSMENT SYSTEM (REDAS) APPLICATION IN THE PROVINCE OF QUIRINO

Rey C. Naval | Elizabeth T. Carig

Discipline: Environmental Science Research

 

Abstract:

Disaster happens every now and then. It often leads to colossal loss of life and property. They are not always predictable. Floods take place in valleys and flood plains, droughts in areas with unstable and low rainfall, and earthquakes near fault lines. This predictability provides opportunities to plan for, prevent and to lessen the impact of disasters. A simulation study was done to assess earthquake risk using the Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment System (REDAS) for three pilot barangays in Cabarroguis, Quirino. Gundaway, being the location of commercial centers and seat of four (4) schools; San Marcos, being the seat of the provincial offices; and Villamor, being the most populated rural barangay. Result of the simulation study showed that at intensity 7.8 earthquake, Gundaway would have the highest total damaged floor area covering 10,818 sq.m area and Php 69.8 million damage cost. At barangay San Marcos, on the other hand, the total damaged floor area is 10,696 sq.m. and with replacement cost of Php 72.2 million. Villamor registered lowest risk being the barangay with the smallest number of households among the three recorded only 2,070 sq.m. damaged floor area and Php 10.4 million replacement cost. Government offices and commercial buildings will be the most damaged establishments in San Marcos, Gundaway will have major damages on commercial buildings, schools and some residential areas while Villamor would affect most residential areas. This study showed the capability of the REDAS program to give rapid estimate of the possible seismic hazards and the severity of the impact to population, buildings, lifelines, road networks and other elements-at- risks.