Earthquake of 5.4 magnitude at epicenter jolts Manila, Philippines on April 9

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), a shallow (28 km) tectonic earthquake which registered at magnitude 5.4 on the Ritcher Scale struck Luzon, Philippines earlier today, April 9, 2011.

The epicenter of the April 9 earthquake was located at 33 km southwest of Lubang, Occidental Mindoro | Graph courtesy of Philvolcs

The epicenter was recorded off 33 km Southwest of Lubang, Occidental Mindoro at 2:29 a.m. It was felt at Intensity III at the Philippine capital, Manila as well as at the following areas: Puerto Galera; San Teodoro and Baco, Oriental Mindoro; Abra de Ilog, Oriental Mindoro; Quezon City; Guiginto, Bulacan; Makati City; Muntinlupa City; and Marikina City. Meanwhile, the residents of Looc and Lubang, Occidental Mindoro felt it at Intensity IV.

The Institute does not expect damage nor any aftershock from the quake.

Here are the descriptions of the above Intensities according to Phivolcs:

Intensity III

Weak - Felt by many people indoors especially in upper floors of buildings. Vibration is felt like one passing of a light truck. Dizziness and nausea are experienced by some people. Hanging objects swing moderately. Still water in containers oscillates moderately.

Intensity IV

Moderately Strong - Felt generally by people indoors and by some people outdoors. Light sleepers are awakened. Vibration is felt like a passing of heavy truck. Hanging objectsswing considerably. Dinner, plates, glasses, windows and doors rattle. Floors and walls of wood framed buildings creak. Standing motor cars may rock slightly. Liquids in containers are slightly disturbed. Water in containers oscillate strongly. Rumbling sound may sometimes be heard.

Take care, everyone!

Earthquake Update: Magnitude 4-4.3 jolt 3 Philippine provinces on March 28

With magnitudes ranging from 4 to 4.3, three earthquakes rocked 3 provinces of the Philippines, yesterday, March 28, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

The first tremor was located off Naval, Biliran Island and hit the area at 6:29 a.m. It has 4.3 magnitude and was felt at Intensity 4 in Naval, Intensity 3 at Leyte and Intensity 2 at Capoocan and Jaro, Leyte.

Another 4.0-magnitude quake followed a few hours later, hitting General Santos City at 9:03 a.m.

The last quake was recorded off Cagayan de Oro City at 1:32 p.m. It measures 4.0 on Ritcher Scale and was felt at Intensity 3 in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental and Intensity 2 in Cagayan de Oro City.

There has been no report of any damage from the 3 quakes.

Earthquake Preparedness Guide: What to do when an earthquake strikes

With the recent natural disaster that happened in Japan, many Filipinos have become worried that a similar incident may happen in the country especially that the Philippines, like Japan, lies in the Pacific Ring of Fire where earthquakes and other volcanic activities often occur.

There is no other way (aside from prayer) that this worry be lessened than being prepared if such thing would occur.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivols) posted an Earthquake Preparedness Guide on their website which can help all of us out on things to do before, during and after an earthquake incident. Check it below.


Before the Quake

It is advisable to prepare safety plans and emergency stock before an earthquake occurs. These plans may help increase the possibility to survive a quake.

• Be familiar with the dangerous spots of your house.
• Be careful with things which may harm the people residing there during earthquake. It is better to fix as early as possible the faulty electrical wiring, leaky gas connection, and fasten shelves.
• Identify safe places indoors and outdoors.
• Educate your family about emergency contacts.
• Prepare a stock of emergency supplies. A stock of food, water, medicines, flashlights, and batteries can help you and you family survive the tremor.
• Make an evacuation and reunion plan. It is possible that family members maybe separated from each other during an earthquake so it is advisable to have a reuniting plan like meeting in a certain place after the disaster.

Duck, Cover, and Hold

This tip is commonly given by experts during earthquakes and is much effective if done indoors. However, there are also safety advises if a person is outdoor or trapped in a debris.

• During quakes, duck or drop to the ground.
• Take cover. You may hide under a study table or piece of furniture for protection from falling debris.
• Hold that position and stay wherever you are until the shaking stops and you cannot feel anymore ground movement.
• Do not immediately proceed to the door especially if the door has will swings which can even cause injury.
• If outdoors, move away from building and streetlights.
• Immediately proceed to open area.
• Once in the open, stay there and do not go near buildings and tall infrastructures to avoid falling debris.
• If in a moving vehicle, stop as quickly as safety permits.
• Avoid stopping near buildings, overpasses, bridges or ramps which may have been damaged by the earthquake.
• If trapped under debris, cover your mouth with handkerchief.
• Create noises by tapping pipes or walls for rescuers to locate you. Do not shout, it is just a last option because it may cause you to inhale dangerous amount of dust.

After the Tremor

• Once the earthquake is over, listen to battery- operated radio or television for updates of aftershock.
• Stay away from damaged area.
• Stay away from the beach if living in a coastal area.
• Be aware of possible tsunamis.
• Landslides are also possible for mountainous areas as well as the ground rapture for areas along active faultlines which causes the ground to break.

Take care, everyone!

4 earthquakes jolt the Philippines on March 21

Update: Another 4.7-magnitude earthquake just hit 29 KM Northeast of Pili, Camarines Sur at 9:29PM, making it the fifth to struck the country, today. According to a Bandila (ABS-CBN) report quoting Phivolcs, experiencing 5 quakes in one day is just normal since the country is said to experience an average of 20 tremors per day, only that most are 'weak' enough to be noticed.

A day after a 6.1-magnitude earthquake jolted the northern provinces of the Philippines, 4 more tremors were felt in different areas in the country today, March 21, 2011.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the following are the epicenters and corresponding magnitudes of the 4 quakes.

21 Mar 2011 - 06:37 PM

DEPTH - 074 KM

MAGNITUDE - 5.7

LOCATION - 012 km N 89° E of Lubang (Lubang Island)

21 Mar 2011 - 07:34 AM

DEPTH - 081 KM

MAGNITUDE - 3.8

LOCATION - 081 km S 60° W of Mamburao (Occidental Mindoro)

21 Mar 2011 - 06:13 AM

DEPTH – 020 KM

MAGNITUDE - 2.9

LOCATION - 010 km N 75° E of Tandag (Surigao Del Sur)

21 Mar 2011 - 12:29 AM

DEPTH - 019 KM

MAGNITUDE - 1.9

LOCATION - 004 km S 65° E of Romblon (Romblon)

Noypi's notes:

A friend in Manila posted on Facebook that she saw her chandelier swaying when the 5.6-magnitude quake happened just moments ago. She was on the 16th floor.

Take care, everyone!