PHIVOLCS warns vs. text message on possible 7.1-magnitude quake: No basis

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) on Tuesday warned the public against a text message being circulated on the allegedly looming 7.1-magnitude earthquake that will hit the country.

“Nais naming ipabatid sa publiko na hindi nanggaling sa DOST-PHIVOLCS ang mensahe na ito at walang sapat na basehan para maglabas ng warning ang aming tanggapan tungkol sa isang nalalapit na malakas na lindol,” PHIVOLCS posted on Facebook.

The warning was announced after a 6.1-magnitude earthquake hit central Luzon on Monday afternoon which resulted to seven dead, 81 people hurt and 15 properties damaged. 

The message read: MAHALAGANG PABATID SA LAHAT! Warning ng Philvocs sa atin sa lindol na mararanasan sa Metro Manila. May 100 kilometrong fault line na sa kasalukuyan ay nasa Bulacan, Quezon City, Markina, Pasig, Makati, Taguig, Muntinlupa, Rizal, Cavite at Laguna na kung saan ay maaring maranasan ang intensity 7.1 na lindol.

“Sa kasalukuyan, wala pang teknolohiya sa buong mundo na maaring malaman kung kailan maaaring maganap ang isang malakas na lindol,” PHIVOLCS said.

PHIVOLCS clarified that the information stated in the message was based on Oplan Yakal Plus which is a contingency plan for an extreme intensity earthquake.

It also lamented that the message does not include the possible response of government agencies and only focused on the threatening effects.

PHIVOLCS advised those who have received the message not to forward it through text or the internet to avoid misinformation. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA News