Pray for Our Brothers and Sisters in Cebu and Bohol

At least 36 fatalities have been reported and 46 injured in the magnitued of 7.2 tectonic quake earthquake that struck near Car,em. Bohol this morning, followed by at least 100 aftershocks by early afternoon. This causes ectensive damage, particularly on old churhces, in the island province of Cebu and Bohol. -By Justine Vestil, Patricia de Leon and Ivy Saunar.

Read more: 

• PhilStar News
• ABS-CBN News
• Emergency Hotlines in the Philippines
• Philippine History of Earthquakes
  

What is Earthquake?

Earthquake with magnitude of about 2.0 or less usually called microearthquakes. They are not commonly felt by people and are generally recorded only on local seismographs. Events with magnitude of about 4.5 or greater, there are several thousands such shocks annually are strong enough to be recorded by sensitive seismographs all over the world. Great Earthquakes, such as last July 16, 1990 that struck Luzon by 7.8 magnitude and damaged several major cities like Dagupan, Cabanatuan, and Baguio City. On the average, one earthquake of such size occurs somewhere in the world each year.

What is Magnitude? 

Magnitude measures the energy released at the source of the earthquake as determined from measurement on seismographs. An earthquake has one magnitude.The magnitude scale most commonly in use now is called the moment magnitude scale. Moments is a physical quantity proportion to slip on the fault times the are of the fault surface that slips. It is related to the total energy released in the EQ. The moment magnitude provides an estimate of earthquake size that is valid over the complete range of magnitude, a characteristic that was lacking in other magnitude scales.

What is Intensity?

Intensity measures the strength of shaking produced by the earthquake at a certain location. Intensity is determined from effects on people, human structures and the natural environment. An earthquake can produce shaking of many different intensities. The Modified Mercalli Intensity scale is used.

Ten Deadliest Recorded Earthquakes in the Philippines since 1600s

MagnitudeOriginLocationDateMortalityMissingInjuredDamagesSource

17.9TectonicMoro GulfAugust 16, 1976479122889928^[9]

27.8TectonicLuzon IslandJuly 16, 199016661000More than 3000₱ 10 billion^[60]

37.5TectonicLuzon IslandNovember 30, 1645600¹3000¹Unknown^[7]

47.3TectonicCasiguran, AuroraAugust 2, 1968271261^[7]

57.1TectonicMindoroNovember 15, 199478430₱ 5.15 million^[15]

66.7TectonicNegros OrientalFebruary 6, 20125162112₱ 383 million^[27]

7UnknownTectonicManilaJune 19, 166519UnknownSee 17th Century

86.5TectonicLaoagAugust 17, 19831647^[11]

97.5TectonicMindanao IslandMarch 5, 200215100^[19]

106.1TectonicSultan KudaratMarch 6, 2002841₱ 4.175 million

What Should I Do Before, During, And After An Earthquake?

What to Do Before an Earthquake

• Make sure you have a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, a battery-powered radio, a flash and extra batteries at home.
• Learn first aid
• Learn how to turn off the gas, water and electricity
• Make up a plan of where to meet your family after earthquake.
• Don't leave heavy objects on shelves (they'll fall during quake)
• Anchor heavy furniture, cupboards, and appliances to walls or floor.
• Learn the earthquake plan at your school or workplace.

What to do During an Earthquake

• Stay Calm! If you're indoors, stay inside. If you're outside, stay outside.
• If you're indoors, stand against a wall near the center of the building, stand in a doorway, or crawl under a heavy furniture. (desk or table)
• If you're outdoor, stay in the open away from power lines or anything that might fall. Stay away from fall off buildings (stuff might fall off the building or building could fall on you)
• Don't use matches, candles, or any flame. Broken gas lines and fire don't mix.
• If you're in a car, stop the car and stay inside the car until the earthquake stops.
• Don't use elevators (they'll probably get stuck anyway).

What to do After an Earthquake

• Check yourself and others for injuries. Provide first aid for anyone who needs it.
• Check water, gas, and electric lines for damage. If any damaged, shut off the valves. Check for the smell of the gas. If you smell it, open all the windows and doors, leave immediately, and report it to the authorities (use someone else's phone)
• Turn on the radio, Don't use the phone unless it's an emergency.
• Stay out if damage buildings.
• Be careful around broken glass and debris. Wear boots or study shoes to keep from cutting your feet.
• Stay away from beaches. Tsunamis and seiches sometimes hit after the ground has stopped shaking.
• Stay away from damaged areas.
• If you're at school or work, follow the emergency plan or the instruction of the person in change.
• Expect aftershocks.