Southern Leyte Shaken by Magnitude 5.8 Earthquake
Table of Contents
- 1. Southern Leyte Shaken by Magnitude 5.8 Earthquake
- 2. Staying Safe After the southern Leyte Earthquake
- 3. What safety precautions should Southern Leyte residents take after experiencing an earthquake?
- 4. Staying Safe after the Southern Leyte Earthquake
- 5. An Interview with Dr. Elena Reyes, DOST-PHIVOLCS
Residents of Southern Leyte and surrounding provinces woke to a jolt Thursday morning as a magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck the region. The Philippine institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) recorded the tremor at 7:39 AM Philippine Standard Time (PST), with its epicenter located 6 kilometers southeast of San Francisco, Southern Leyte.
The quake, with a depth of 11 kilometers, was felt strongly in San Francisco, reaching a peak intensity of PEIS VI (Very Strong) according to PHIVOLCS.
“At PEIS VI,many people are frightened,and many run outdoors. Some people lose their balance,” said the PHIVOLCS report.
Motorists reported a unsettling sensation akin to driving on flat tires, while heavy objects shifted and small church bells even rang.
As of 1:30 PM PST, PHIVOLCS has logged 73 aftershocks ranging from magnitude 1.6 to 2.9. These aftershocks are expected to continue for days or even months, with some perhaps being felt in nearby provinces.
Southern Leyte is situated in a seismically active region of the Philippines, with a history of meaningful earthquakes. The area is prone to tremors due to the presence of active faults, notably the Philippine Fault and its segments. Local faults, some possibly buried beneath recent deposits, also contribute to the region’s seismic activity.
While the earthquake did not trigger a tsunami, residents in low-lying coastal areas are advised to be aware of potential localized sea-level disturbances caused by strong ground shaking.
PHIVOLCS assures the public that this earthquake is of tectonic origin and is not associated with volcanic activity. However, they will continue to closely monitor seismic activity in the region.
Staying Safe After the southern Leyte Earthquake
A magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck Southern Leyte in the Philippines,shaking communities and raising concerns about potential aftershocks and damage.
Officials from DOST-PHIVOLCS, the country’s leading seismic agency, urge residents to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines. “Communities should be prepared for aftershocks,” they advise. In the event of a strong tremor, remember to “duck/drop, cover, and hold,” a simple yet effective technique to protect yourself.
The quake has also highlighted the importance of inspecting buildings for damage. “It is recommended that people should be cautious of structures visibly weakened or having signs of damage caused by the magnitude 5.8 earthquake.These may be further damaged by succeeding earthquakes and injure building occupants,” emphasizes DOST-PHIVOLCS.
It’s crucial to contact yoru local municipal or city engineering office for a professional building inspection. Civil engineers will carefully assess the structural integrity of buildings and infrastructures,recommending necesary actions to ensure safety.
Homes and offices also need attention. Secure heavy furniture and appliances to walls, and firmly fasten any hanging objects to prevent them from becoming risky projectiles during tremors.
The earthquake has also raised concerns about landslides in mountainous regions. “Mountain/hill slopes should be checked for tension/incipient cracks due to strong ground shaking. Tension cracks make slopes more susceptible to landslides, especially during heavy rainfall and/or aftershocks,” warns DOST-PHIVOLCS. Residents living in landslide-prone areas should exercise extreme caution and avoid these areas until they are deemed safe.
DOST-PHIVOLCS plays a vital role in providing accurate and timely information during emergencies. They operate a network of 121 seismic stations across the Philippines, including stations near San Francisco in Southern Leyte.A Fast Response Team (QRT) has been dispatched to the province to assess geologic impacts and disseminate information to the public.
“please visit our website at www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph, facebook (/PHIVOLCS), and X (@phivolcs_dost) for earthquake and tsunami information, volcano updates, hazard maps, and information materials. Earthquake observations might potentially be reported to DOST-PHIVOLCS at telephone numbers (02) 8929-9254 and (02) 8426-1468 to 79, local 307 and 308, or via Facebook Page (direct message),”
they urge.
Remember, in the face of natural disasters, knowledge and preparedness are your greatest allies.Stay informed, stay safe.
What safety precautions should Southern Leyte residents take after experiencing an earthquake?
Staying Safe after the Southern Leyte Earthquake
An Interview with Dr. Elena Reyes, DOST-PHIVOLCS
Last Thursday, a magnitude 5.8 earthquake shook Southern Leyte, prompting understandable concerns about aftershocks and damage. We spoke with Dr. Elena Reyes, a seismologist with DOST-PHIVOLCS, too get crucial information and safety advice for residents.
Archyde News: Dr. Reyes, what can you tell us about the earthquake that struck Southern Leyte?
Dr.Reyes: The earthquake occurred at precisely 7:39 AM Philippine Standard Time, its epicenter located just six kilometers southeast of San Francisco in Southern Leyte. We recorded a magnitude of 5.8, with a depth of 11 kilometers.
Archyde News: The early reports described shaking comparable to driving on flat tires. Can you elaborate on the intensity felt in the region?
Dr. Reyes: Yes, the intensity reached PEIS VI, which means ”Very Strong,” in San Francisco. You’re right, people described a very unsettling sensation, and various objects shifted, even small church bells rang. Such intensity necessarily causes alarm and can lead to people rushing outdoors
Archyde News: What about aftershocks? Are those a cause for concern?
dr. Reyes: Absolutely, and that’s why we urge the public to remain vigilant. As of now,we’ve already recorded 73 aftershocks,ranging in magnitude from 1.6 to 2.9. It’s not unusual for a quake of this magnitude to be followed by aftershocks,and these can continue for days,weeks,or even months.
Archyde News: Given the area’s history of earthquakes and its location on fault lines, what advice would you give to Southern Leyte residents about earthquake preparedness?
Dr. Reyes: Preparedness is key. we always recommend “duck, drop, and cover”– seek shelter under a sturdy table or desk, protect your head, and remain there until the shaking stops.
It’s also vital to inspect buildings for damage, especially those visibly weakened or showing signs of stress. Please contact your local municipality or city engineering office for a professional inspection.Even in your homes and offices, secure anything that could fall – heavy furniture, appliances – and fasten any hanging objects.
Archyde News:
And what about landslides, especially in mountainous areas?
Dr. Reyes: That’s a serious concern. Mountain slopes prone to landslides should be carefully examined for tension cracks or signs of movement.Remember, ground shaking can weaken slopes, making them more susceptible to landslides, especially during heavy rains or aftershocks. Always exercise extreme caution in these areas and avoid them if possible until they are deemed safe.
Archyde News: Where can our readers get reliable updates and advisories during an emergency like this?
Dr. Reyes: Please visit our website at News: Thank you, Dr. Reyes, for taking the time to speak with us and share your expertise. Your insights are invaluable to those living in earthquake-prone areas.
Remember, in the face of natural disasters, knowledge and preparedness are your greatest allies.Stay informed, stay safe.
