Philippines: 5.9-magnitude aftershock strikes Leyte province, July 10 /update 2

Event

A 5.9-magnitude aftershock has struck 18km (11mi) east of Ormoc, Leyte Island at 9:40 (local time) on Monday, July 10. The aftershock follows a 6.9-magnitude earthquake which struck Leyte Island on July 6. No tsunami warning has been issued. There have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties, though additional damage to infrastructure is possible. Further aftershocks are likely.

Context

A 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck Leyte Island at around 16:00 (local time) on July 6. The epicenter was located southwest of the city of Tacloban, approximately 580 km (360 mi) from the capital city of Manila. Government officials confirmed that at least two people were killed; one person died after a building collapsed in Kananga and another was killed in Ormoc City. Approximately 100 more people were injured by the quake, and infrastructural damage has been reported in Kananga and Ormoc City. Power outages were also reported across Leyte and in parts of Cebu and Bohol. Rescue teams have been deployed to Kananga, but aftershocks have delayed rescue efforts. Officials said that highways near Ormoc have been cracked and some landslides have occurred.

Nearly 40 earthquakes with a magnitude of 6 and over (on the Richter scale) have been reported in the past decade in the Philippines. The Philippine archipelago lies along the Pacific "Ring of Fire," where earthquakes and volcanic activity are common.

Advice

Individuals present in areas affected by the earthquake and aftershock are advised to follow any instructions issued by local authorities. Only use your telephone in case of urgency so as to leave communication lines open for emergency services.

Generally speaking, after an earthquake, check for injuries and take note of your surroundings. If your building is damaged, shut off the water, gas, and electricity lines, and evacuate.