Philippines: 6.9-magnitude earthquake strikes Leyte Island July 6

Event

A 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck Leyte Island at around 16:00 (local time) on Thursday, July 6. The epicenter was located southwest of the city of Tacloban, approximately 580 km (360 mi) from the capital city of Manila. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties. Aftershocks are likely.

Context

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 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.