Two earthquakes have recently hit the Philippines: – a 6.1 magnitude earthquake that shook Luzon yesterday, April 22 and a recent 6.2 quake that hit the Visayas region moments ago, April 23.
As OFWs here in the UAE and across the world continue to pray for the safety of their families back home, here are a few tips to make sure that you and your family are safe as advised by National Geographic.
Preparations:
– Have an earthquake / disaster emergency kit: A supply of canned food, an up-to-date first aid kit, 3 gallons (11.4 liters) of water per person, dust masks and goggles, and a working battery-operated radio and flashlights in an accessible place.
– If you’re in the office, be sure that your company and the building has an evacuation plan and does regular drills on an annual basis.
– Pinpoint a place in your home / office where everyone can convene – it should be a spot where almost nothing would likely fall on anyone.
During the Earthquake
– Stay calm and do not panic.
– Take cover under a desk / table and hold on. Stop using your phone and concentrate.
– Stay indoors until the shaking stops at a place where no furniture can fall on your path.
– Expect fire alarms, sprinklers, emergency alarm systems to activate.
– If you’re in the office, follow the company and/or building’s evacuation plan – which usually involves going through plights of stairs and avoiding taking the elevator at all costs.
– Once or if you’re already outside the building, find a clear spot away from places that might have falling debris: trees, buildings, and most especially – power lines.
– If you’re in your vehicle, slow down and drive carefully towards a place where no debris might fall on you and your car and stay inside until the shaking subsides.
After the Earthquake
– Expect aftershocks that might take place minutes and/or hours.
– Check yourself for injuries and treat them immediately.
– Check on others after you’re clear of any injuries.
– Contact emergency services if required.
– Power lines may go down, so be sure to use your phones wisely with quick emergency calls only to maintain contact, especially if you don’t have any power banks.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) pinpointed the epicenter of the earthquake today at San Julian, Eastern Samar with a 6.2 magnitude. Up to intensity 5 was felt at Tacloban City and Catbalogan City in Samar and intensity 4 was recorded in Masbate City, Legazpi City and Sorsogon City at the earthquake recorded today.
Yesterday’s earthquake shook Castillejos, Zambales with a 6.1 magnitude with the rest of Luzon that felt tremors of varying magnitudes.
Disaster officials have reported around 11 casualties as of this report.
