10 Jul 2017 | 05:20 AM UTC
Philippines: At least two killed by earthquake on Leyte Island July 6 /update 1
Officials confirm at least two people were killed by the earthquake that hit Leyte Island on July 6; more than 100 people injured and some infrastructure damage reported
Event
Government officials confirmed that at least two people were killed by the earthquake that hit Leyte Island on Thursday, July 6. 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.
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.
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.
