Phivolcs: Observe social distancing even during earthquakes

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Director Renato Solidum advised the public to observe physical distancing even during earthquakes to avoid the spread of COVID-19.

“If may malakas ng magnitude ng natural hazards, isipin lagi natin ang physical distancing if mag-evacuate at pupunta sa mga evacuation area, panatilihin ang ganitong mga protocols kahit sa oras ng emergency or mabilisang pangyayari (During high magnitude natural hazards, maintain physical distancing when evacuating and keep observing protocols even during emergencies),” Solidum said.

He also reminded the public to keep safety in mind as the country continues to experience natural disasters such as earthquakes and the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Solidum’s statement came a few hours after a magnitude 5.4 earthquake jolted San Luis, Aurora on Saturday morning. 

Damage reports are still pending from the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD).

Solidum said intensity six was felt in Baler, Aurora; intensity five in San Luis, Dipaculao and Maria Aurora, Aurora; intensity four in Casiguran and Dingalan, Aurora, and in Gabaldon and Palayan City, Nueva Ecija.

Intensity three was felt in Obando, Bulacan; Villasis, Pangasinan; Parañaque City; and Antipolo, Rizal; intensity two in San Domingo, Nueva Ecija; Plaridel, Bulacan; and in the cities of Baguio, Malolos, Manila, Malabon, Navotas, Quezon City, and Valenzuela.

Intensity one was felt in Gapan City, Nueva Ecija and Guinayangan, Quezon province.