Supervolcano: Singapore

by Tringapore

Most people know that Singapore is located far away from a tectonic plate and hence it is impossible for earthquakes and volcanoes to happen there. However, what if Singapore was a super volcano waiting to blow? This story will explore the scenario where Singapore is a super volcano and the events that will occur if it erupts.

6. Chapter 5

Jessica arrived the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and headed to the EOS office. There she asked to meet Professor David Ong, but was told that he was busy. Jessica couldn't wait. She asked for his office number but was told to wait. Jessica became impatient and demanded to see the Professor. She flashed her credentials at the staff. The staff person sighed and called Professor David Ong. After a while she put down the phone and told Jessica to take the lift to the 4th floor. Jessica thanked the staff and proceeded. When she reached the 4th floor, she looked at the staff directory to look for Professor Ong. Once she found it, she went straight to his office. She knocked at the door. "Come in," a voice said. Jessica opened the door and found Professor Ong sitting at his desk staring at his computer. She sat down and immediately started to ask questions.

"Professor Ong, what could've caused the 2 tremors that we felt this morning?" Jessica asked.

"Well, we are not sure for now. You see, earthquakes are very uncommon in Singapore. Most of them are just tremors felt from an earthquake in Indonesia, but to see 2 earthquakes in 1 day that occurred in Singapore is simply baffling. Even we are at a loss as to what caused it," Professor Ong explained.

Jessica nodded as Professor Ong went on. Just as they were done talking, Professor Ong's coffee started to sway. It was another tremor! Professor Ong didn't hesitate, he rushed to the earthquake research room. Jessica followed. This time the quake lasted longer. When the both of them reached the room, Sam was there.

"Magnitude 4.8 David," Sam said.

Professor Ong went to see the data as the alarm continued wailing. The computer screen showed: WARNING: Magnitude 4.8 struck on Monday, 22nd September at 1210 hours. Depth, 4km beneath Singapore. Location: Bishan mrt depot. Both Professor Ong and Sam were in shock. This was the 3rd sizable earthquake in a day. Throughout the day there had been hundreds of small earthquakes located throughout the island. Most of them were magnitudes 1 and 2 and a few magnitude 3s. Those earthquakes couldn't be felt as they were too small. But 3 large earthquakes (Magnitude 4 and above would be considered large to Singapore as the country rarely experiences earthquakes) in a day, it was mind blowing.

"Go back to SPH," Professor Ong told Jessica. "We have important work to do and this concerns the very safety of Singapore. We do not want to be disturbed."

"Ok," Jessica said rather grudgingly. She had more questions to ask, and the latest tremor further added fuel to her desire to ask questions. She left the building and went back to report to her boss.