Magnitude 5.4 earthquake hits Mindoro on March 21 while it measures 3.0 in Quezon City

An intensity 5.4 earthquake on the Richter scale hit Mindoro on March 21, 2011 with this seismic event being felt as far away as Quezon City and the rest of Metro Manila, where it measured 3.0 on the Richer scale, according to the United States Geological Survey (see: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/usc0002804.php#summary).

A staggering 159 earthquakes ranging from intensity 1.9 to 6.1 on the Richter scale hit various provinces in the Philippines from January to this point in March of 2011, according to the USGS website, which cited data from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

To say that the Philippines, like Japan is earthquake-prone would be an understatement, to say the very least.

As part of our public service to the Diliman and Quezon City areas, we are reposting our article as to what to do during an earthquake. We posted this article on March 26, 2010, as when an earthquake measuring intensity 6.0 on the Richter scale hit Mindoro on that same date, and where it was measured at intensity 4.0 on the Richter scale in Quezon City (see: http://diliman-diary.blogspot.com/2010/03/public-service-announcement-intensity.html).

Public Service Announcement: Intensity 4.0 Earthquake Rocks Quezon City and NCR - Implications for the Diliman Community

(Source: Phivolcs. To see an enlarged
version of the image, just click on it)

A moderately strong earthquake rocked Metro Manila and surrounding areas Thursday, March 25, 2010 at 1:29 p.m.

Renato Solidum, director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), said the quake measured at 6.0 magnitude with the epicenter estimated at 27 kilometers southwest of Lubang Island. It had a depth of 25 kilometers.

The Phivolcs head said areas surrounding the fragile Marikina Valley System, the most active fault line in the country, were not severely affected although more than 30-second shaking was felt in Pasig City.

"It's because the epicenter of the quake is in Mindoro. But we received reports that they felt mild to moderate temblor there," he said.

The quake was tectonic in origin and had a depth of 25 kilometers underground.

It was felt at intensity 4 in Quezon City, Mandaluyong City, Pasig City, Makati City, Pasay City, Taguig City, and Talisay, Batangas.

Intensity 3 was felt in Marikina City, Tagaytay City, Bagac, Bataan; Canlubang, Laguna; Clark, Pampanga; Rosario and Trece Martires City in Cavite.

Intensity 2 was registered in Calamba, Laguna; Legazpi City, Albay; and Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro.

The Marikina Fault Line is the most geologically active fault line in the Philippines, but haa not shifted in a massive earthquake for at least 500 years. However, scientists say it is only a matter of time before the "big one" hits.

The Marikina Fault Line is located east of Metro Manila and passes from Rizal, Marikina City, Quezon City- especially Libis, Ateneo de Manila University campus, and is only one kilometer away from Quezon Hall in U.P. Diliman to, Pasig City, Laguna de Bay, leading to Taal Volcano.

Even Sunken Garden, in front of U.P. Diliman's College of Business Administration might not be spared from related geological shifts. Basically a basin, Sunken Garden is a "garden" that is believed to sink every year since it lies in a fault line. Because of the water spring that originates from it, the Sunken Garden used to be half-submerged in water (http://iskwiki.upd.edu.ph/index.php/Sunken_Garden).


DOST and Phivolcs earthquake guide for Diliman-area residents

Some scientists say that once the fault moves, it will also lead to the eruption of Taal Volcano, just like what happened in June 1990 earthquake, when the Digdig Fault in Central Luzon caused the Mount Pinatubo (which has been dormant for nearly 600 years) to erupt a year later (July 1991).

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology and the Department of Science and Technology have issued the following guidelines that Diliman-are and adjoining area residents should follow for the sake of earthquake preparedness:

Disasters such as earthquakes occur without any warning, thus, there is a need to prepare especially if you happen to live in an earthquake-prone area.

The following guide on what to do before, during and after an earthquake from can help you prepare and stay safe in the event of an earthquake:

BEFORE

The key to effective disaster prevention is planning:

• Know the earthquake hazards
• Follow structural design and engineering practices when constructing a house or building.
• Evaluate the structural soundness of the buildings and houses; strengthen or retrofit if necessary.
• Prepare your homes, workplace or schools:
• Strap or bolt heavy furnitures/cabinets to the walls.
• Check the stability of hanging objects like ceiling fans and chandeliers.
• Breakable items, harmful chemicals and flammable materials should be stored properly in the lowermost secured shelves.
• Familiarize yourself with the exit routes.
• Know where fire extinguishers, first aid kits, alarms and communication facilities are located. Learn how use them beforehand.
• Prepare a handy emergency supply kit with first aid kit, canned food and can opener, water, clothing, blanket, battery-operated radio, flashlights and extra batteries.
• Conduct and participate in regular earthquake drills.

DURING

• Stay calm.
• When you are INSIDE a structurally sound building or home…STAY THERE!
• If possible quickly open the door for exit.
• Duck under a sturdy desk or table, and hold on to it, or protect your head with your arms.
• Stay away from glass windows, shelves, cabinets and other heavy objects.
• Beware of falling objects. Be alert and keep your eyes open.
• If you're OUTSIDE…move to an open area!
• Stay away from trees, powerlines, posts and concrete structures.
• Move away from steep slopes which may be affected by landslides.
• If you’re near the shore and feel an earthquake, especially if it’s too strong, move quickly to higher ground. Tsunamis might follow
• If you’re in a moving vehicle, STOP and get out! Do not attempt to cross bridges, overpasses, or flyovers which may have been damaged.

AFTER

• Be prepared for aftershocks. Once the shaking stops, take the fastest and safest way out of the building.

Don't:

• use elevators,
• enter damaged buildings
• use telephones unless necessary
• PANIC

Check:

• yourself and others for injuries
• water and electrical lines for damages
• for spills of chemicals, toxic and flammable materials and control fires which may spread
• If you need to evacuate your residence, leave a message stating where you are going and bring your emergency supply kit and keep updated on disaster prevention instructions from battery-operated radios.