PHIVOLCS warns public vs. fake info on earthquake, tsunami

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) on Thursday cautioned the public against fake messages circulating social media sites regarding the possible high-magnitude quake in Cagayan de Oro, and Tagoloan River.

PHIVOLCS's warning came after it received reports that certain individuals were spreading false information quoting the agency’s regional director for the possible high-magnitude quake due to the active fault line in Cagayan de Oro and Tagoloan River.

Also, the agency said the false message likewise warned that a 7.2 magnitude quake could trigger a tsunami, and that the public must look for possible evacuation routes.

“Ang lindol ay maaring maganap sa mga lugar na dinadaanan ng active faults at malalapit sa mga trench katulad ng Mindanao. Ngunit, wala pang teknolohiya sa buong mundo ang makakapagsabi kung kelan at saan ito eksaktong mangyayari,” the PHIVOLCS said in an advisory.

(Earthquakes can occur in areas prone to active faults and near trenches such as Mindanao. But, the technology that can tell exactly when and where an earthquake will occur has not yet been invented).

Nais namin ipabatid sa publiko na hindi nanggaling sa DOST-PHIVOLCS ang mensahe na ito. Hinihikayat ang mga nakatanggap ng mensahe na HUWAG IPAKALAT ITO SA TEXT AT INTERNET.

Importanteng magkaroon ng tamang kaalaman at sapat na paghahanda upang maging ligtas.#HandaAngMayAlam pic.twitter.com/n09FWDc3VC

— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) April 21, 2022

“Importanteng magkaroon ng tamang kaalaman at sapat na paghahanda upang maging ligtas sa panganib ng malalakas na lindol,” it added.

(It is important to have the right knowledge and adequate preparation to be safe from the danger of strong earthquakes.)

The agency urged the public to stop spreading the false information on social media sites.

It also encouraged to visit the official DOST-PHIVOLCS website and social media accounts for more information. —LBG, GMA News