A 5.5 magnitude earthquake hit Occidental Mindoro on Saturday, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). The tectonic quake’s epicenter was located 16 kilometers northwest of Calintaan town, with a depth of 44 kilometers. Various parts of Luzon felt the earthquake, with Puerto Galera and Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro experiencing intensity IV shaking. Other areas felt intensity III, II, and I shaking, as reported by Phivolcs.
According to Phivolcs, no damage was expected, but aftershocks might still occur. Residents in Metro Manila and nearby provinces reported feeling the earthquake even before the Phivolcs bulletin was released.
Earlier, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the earthquake was a magnitude 5.2 offshore earthquake, with the epicenter located 18 kilometers south-southeast of Calatagan, Batangas. However, Phivolcs recorded the earthquake’s epicenter northwest of Calintaan town, which is different from the USGS report.
Earthquakes are common in the Philippines due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates collide. The Philippines sits on the boundary of the Philippine Sea Plate, the Eurasian Plate, and the Indo-Australian Plate, making it prone to seismic activity. The country has experienced several devastating earthquakes in the past, including the 1990 Luzon earthquake, which had a magnitude of 7.8 and resulted in over 1,600 fatalities.
The Philippines has been proactive in preparing for earthquakes and other natural disasters. The government has implemented various measures, such as the nationwide earthquake drill, to raise public awareness and ensure that citizens are prepared for emergencies. The drill, which is held annually, simulates the effects of a magnitude 7.2 earthquake and tests the response of different agencies and organizations.
In addition, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has developed various tools and technologies to aid in disaster management. The DOST’s Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards) provides real-time information on weather and other natural hazards, while the PHIVOLCS-DOST has a seismic network that monitors earthquake activity in the country.
While the earthquake on Saturday did not cause any significant damage, it serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for emergencies. The public is encouraged to take part in earthquake drills and to have an emergency kit and a plan in place in case of earthquakes or other natural disasters.