Makati installs earthquake recording devices in buildings  

MANILA, Philippines — The Makati City government has installed earthquake recording devices in public buildings around the city, Mayor Abby Binay said yesterday.

In a statement, Binay said 27 “accelerographs” were installed in Makati buildings in the aftermath of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that killed over 50,000 people in Turkey and Syria.

An accelerograph is a device that “monitors and records movements and vibrations on the ground that may cause structural damage,” according to city hall.

The device also provides “real-time seismic data that enables building administrators to determine the need for evacuation and establishment of building security measures,” it added.

Binay said the devices were installed in buildings along the West Valley Fault and those located in villages prone to liquefaction.

The units were installed in the Makati City Hall complex, Fort Bonifacio Elementary and High School, East Rembo Health Center, University of Makati, Ospital ng Makati, Comembo Elementary School, East Rembo Elementary School, Rizal Elementary School, Bangkal Elementary School, San Isidro National High School, San Antonio Village Elementary School, Maximo Estrella Elementary School and Jose Magsaysay Elementary School.

She urged owners of private buildings to install the same device, which is required for structures over 50 meters high.

“The recent strong earthquake that struck Syria and Turkey should be a wake-up call to everyone. We must heed the dire warnings of experts and brace ourselves for the projected 7.5 magnitude earthquake that can occur anytime with the West Valley Fault ripe for movement,” Binay said.

At least 144 buildings in Makati have complied with the requirement to install earthquake recording instruments, Binay said, citing data from the Office of the Building Official.

Makati, Metro Manila’s financial district, is home to 1,106 low-rise buildings, 551 medium-rise buildings, and 200 high-rise buildings.

There are 27 pending high-rise projects under monitoring by city hall for compliance with structural laws, Binay said.