DAVAO, Philippines — After a magnitude 4.7 quake hit Davao City on Thursday, an information is now circulating in some social media sites warning Davaoeños of a strong quake that may hit the city anytime between February 24 until March 8.
The message states that the movement of the Surigao to Mati fault will trigger a quake with a magnitude of 7 or more.
However the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) said the information is not true.
OCD 11 Operations Staff Franz Irag said, “Wala po tayong available na equipment na pwedeng magamit para ma predict kung kailan tatama ang nasabing earthquake (We do not have available equipment that could predict when an earthquake may hit) .”
The OCD strongly suggests that the public only rely on legitimate sources like the Philippine Volcanology and Seismology or PHIVOLCS when it comes to earthquakes.
The agency also appeals to the public not to share any unverified information so as not to cause panic or confusion.
But the OCD advises everyone to be ready because we could never tell when a strong quake may happen.
History also tells us that in 1924 the Davao Region was hit by an 8.3 magnitude quake following the movement of the Surigao to Mati fault.
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As a matter of precaution, the OCD advises everyone to be knowledgeable on what to do when an earthquake hits.
Irag added, “Know the basic procedures yung tinatawag natin na duck, cover and hold technique sa earthquake and evacuation drill na ginagawa natin.”
(Know the basic procedures, such as the duck, cover and hold technique which we do during earthquake and evacuation drills.)
It is also wise to prepare a survival kit in our homes that could last for 3 days.
“Yung mga pwedeng laman nung tinatawag natin na emergency kit is yung tubig, ekstrang gamot sa sipon, ubo kung saka sakali, and yung mga ekstrang damit, pagkain, tubig, flashlight, battery operated radios and yung nga important documents,” OCD 11’s Irag reminded.
(The emergency kit must contain water, medicines maybe for cough and colds, extra clothes, food, flashlight, battery operated radio and our important documents.) — Victor Cosare / UNTV News & Rescue
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