Quakes trigger two phenomena
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) in Manila is now investigating two phenomena in Dauin, Negros Oriental, that surfaced after the magnitude 4.7 earthquake last January 27 and the succeeding magnitude 2.5 earthquake last February 5.
The “blue water phenomenon” in Barangay Casile, and the rock collapse in Barangay Mag-aso, both in Dauin, Negros Oriental, prompted Mayor Niel Credo to ask for an explanation from experts and so Phivolcs sent two science research specialists to investigate. They are science research specialists Raymond Patrick Maximo and Marie Thess QuilalangK
In an interview, Maximo explained that the epicenter of the recent quakes was near the site of the rock collapse as well as the blue water phenomenon and somehow connected to the ground shaking.
He further explained that the water discoloration is a result of the converging of the sulfur-rich water from the famous Baslay hotsprings and the cold water from the Hinalian River in Barangay Bolocboloc after the quakes that produces a chemical reaction, which is a bluish, whitish, and cloudy water found along the stretch of the Casile-Masaplod River.
The team measured the ph level using instruments and found that the blue cloudy water is 4.48 ph which is neutral and means it is safe for swimming, washing, and watering plants. However, it is not recommended for drinking because it is not potable. The temperature is 28K5 degrees Celsius which is lukewarm, just like taking shower in the bathroom.
Maximo said the local disaster risk reduction management office, headed by Rudy Aldenese Jr., and his team composed of Renato Tuballa and Engr. Joseph Tuayon, is advised to continue monitoring the river to determine if its seasonal or not and to render the necessary reportsK
The other phenomenon is the rock collapse in Magaso. Initial findings showed that the small crack on the surface became big after the two earthquakes, with boiling water at 92.2 degrees Celsius and 1K83 ph already visible down below, which Phivolcs specialists say is alarmingK
The team of experts from Phivolcs Manila explained the heat emission and boiling water found underneath is proof that it is a thermal area with residual heat coming from an old volcano. According to Maximo, a flashflood or volcanic activity may have happened million years ago that covered a river and dried up but since it is a river, it is natural for the water to flow back, especially with the rock collapse that opened the cover.
The team has recommended to Mayor Credo to place warning signs to prevent visitors from going within five meters of the area due to the possibility of the rocks becoming weak due to the ground shaking. Maximo does not discount the possibility of a boiling water emission in that areaK
Juancho R. Gallarde