by Alfonso T. Ruda
DIPOLOG CITY, FEB. 8(PIA)--- Due to the continuous aftershocks being felt by different areas in Visayas and Mindanao after a 6.9 magnitude earthquake hit the region Monday morning, the City Government of Dipolog has appealed to its constituents not to panic and remain calm but vigilant and be prepared for any eventuality.
In a Press Release issued by the City Information Office, the City Government warned the public not to panic to be able to come with an appropriate action to ensure their safety if ever any something will happen despite that two days have already passed after that tragic incident happened.
The warning was issued by the City Government after it was observed that lots of people immediately went up to the hilly area or elevated area right after a tsunami alert level 2 was issued Monday afternoon. However, the tsunami alert warning was lifted at about 2:30 in the afternoon of the same day.
Despite the lifting of the tsunami alert warning, some people still opted to remain in their temporary location as occasional aftershocks are still felt in some areas.
Based on the latest information from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, 26 people in Negros Oriental have been confirmed dead, 52 were injured while 71 are still missing and 1,074 aftershocks recorded.
Earlier, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology Director Renato Solidum said people can expect more aftershocks since the earthquake was a “strong one.”(ATR/PIA9-Zambo Norte)
