by Jocelyn P. Alvarez
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Feb. 07 (PIA 9) - - A 6.9 magnitude earthquake of tectonic origin was felt by people in over 40 areas of the country, but the strongest, mostly in the areas of Negros and Cebu, Monday, February 6 at around 11:49 in the morning, said Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs)-Zamboanga City, Officer In Charge Allan Labayog.
Labayog reported, the quake which was traced to originate West of Tayasan, (Negros Oriental Negros) sent seismic waves to various parts of the country including Zamboanga City.
Not all Zamboangueños however felt the tremor. Some said they did not even know there was a quake while others claimed they got dizzy due to the earth’s movement.
Report of intensities from Monday’s earth quake as gathered from Phivolcs official Earthquake Bulletin/Information No. 3 revealed: Intensity 7 in Dumaguete City; and Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental;
Intensity 6 in La Carlota City and La Castellana, Negros occidental; Argao, Cebu;
Intensity 5 in Roxas City; Dao and Ivisan, Capiz; Ilo-Ilo City; Ayungon, Negros Oriental; Kanlaon City; Lapu-Lapu City; Guimaras; Cebu City, San Carlos City; Bacolod City; Sagay City; Tagbilaran City; Candoni, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental while the areas of San Jose de Buenavista, Pandan, Anini-y, Patnugon, Antique; Kalibo, Aklan; Dipolog City; Sipalay, Negros Occidental and Ormoc City reported to be under intensity 4.
Intensity 3 for Butuan City, Agusan del Norte; Legaspi City, Albay; Carmen, Cagayan de Oro; Taclobab City; Catbalogan; Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte; Masbate, Masbate; and Cagayan De Oro City.
The areas of Cabid-an, Sorsogon; Borongan, Eastern Samar; and Mambajao, Camiguin was reported under Intensity number 2 and Pagadian City under Intensity 1.
Labayog said Zamboanga City was not included in the report of intensities.
Labayog refuted claims of some individuals that this is the first time in the country’s history that such tremor occurred simultaneously.
“No, it’s not true. What is true is that this is the first time that a big magnitude occurred simultaneously,” he explained.
Labayog said Earthquakes happen every day, and in some occasions, earthquakes occur simultaneously, but the tremor and the seismic waves are low that it is almost impossible to feel the shake. Zamboanga City for instance experiences a minimum of 20 earthquakes a day, but people do not feel it.
Yesterday’s earthquake was the first strong magnitude occurrence or “big event” as Labayog termed it, to be experienced simultaneously.
“Because of that big event, aftershocks are expected in the coming days,” Labayog said.
He advised the public to stay calm and be prepared at all times, mentally and physically. He said to shun away from text scare circulating around of a possible tsunami occurrence. He said such activities will only create or add uncertainties and anxieties.
PhiVolcS as of 2:30 pm, February 6 has zero-in tsunami alerts.
“When in doubt, contact only reliable or authorized agency who can give you accurate information,” Labayog quipped.
“Always be ready with your flashlights and have your cell phones fully charge,” this he advised as he said that in the event of a strong earthquake, the first thing to be expected is the loss of electric power.
“It is very important for one to have visuals, especially when the earthquake occurs at night time, so be ready always with your flashlights.”
He said it is advised to keep your cell phones fully charge so that you can call for help in case of a disaster.
As of 6:30 a.m, February 7, there were 734 aftershocks recorded by PhiVolcs but only around 55 were felt aftershock events. (JPA/ PIA –ZBST)
