According to USGS.gov: “An earthquake is caused by a sudden slip on a fault. The tectonic plates are always slowly moving, but they get stuck at their edges due to friction. When the stress on the edge overcomes the friction, there is an earthquake that releases energy in waves that travel through the earth’s crust and cause the shaking that we feel.”

Based on the recent studies conducted by various recognized authorities on land topography and seismology, Quezon City would be one of the less affected areas of Metro Manila in case an earthquake happens.

This is because most of Quezon City is located in what called the “Guadalupe Plateau”.

An online article in TWT Real Estate discusses it more:

The Guadalupe Plateau is a low ridge of volcanic tuff that extends over the full length of Metro Manila or the National Capital Region (NCR). The Guadalupe Plateau covers an area of 395 square kilometers with elevation ranging from 10 meters (where it meets the Coastal Margin) to 140 meters. The Guadalupe tuff, locally called “adobe”, is considered a suitable bedrock foundation with a depth of about 200 to 400 meters. Overlaying it is soil, mostly water laid sediments with a depth varying from 10 to 600 centimeters. The Guadalupe Plateau covers a superficial area of 395 square kilometers or 62% of the NCR. At the north, it is about 15 kilometers wide; at the center, just above the Pasig River, about 5 kilometers; and at the south, the width tapers from 8 to 4 kilometers.”

Also, based on a survey of the Bureau of Soils and Water Management [BSWM], the predominant soil type in Quezon City is of the Novaliches Loam series, commonly called adobe. This is mainly characterized as hard and compact whose quality and hardness vary as the depth increases.

When looking for a property, one has to make sure that what you buy is earthquake-proof. How would you know if something fits such requirements?

Things like reinforced concrete and hard soil should first come to mind. Also, it should be sure if things like vertical steel bars, concrete hollow block walls, and mortar mix are of the right building requirement. Homes in a good location should be at Grade 60 rebar or reinforcement bars, making your home’s foundation stronger and safer.

If you’re looking to invest in the northern part of Quezon City, Mandaluyong, and San Juan. Better contact a trusted real estate firm like New Manila San Juan to help you out in your future quake-resistant investments.