The text message circulating a day after the strong earthquake in China reads: "US Geological Society predicts a 6.8 magnitude earthquake that will hit Philippine plates tonight. Please be calm and alert. From Hawaii State Emergency Preparedness Office."
Office of Civil Defense Southern Mindanao director Minda Morante said there is no group by the name of US Geological Society aside from the fact that no equipment or method was discovered yet that could predict the occurrence of earthquake before it happens.
"There is no organization capable of predicting an earthquake, which is very specific in terms of magnitude and date. There is no US Geological Society, only US Geological Survey but they do not issue immediate predictions, especially for areas outside the US," Morante said.
But she did not discount the possibility of an earthquake hitting the country, which is within the world's "ring of fire". She said it would be best if the people were ready anytime disaster, such as earthquake, strikes.
Governors and mayors informed about the text message dismissed it as hoax and said that they have already circulated advisory to their constituents not to believe it, but nonetheless be prepared.
At least 20 tremors occur in the country everyday, but most are too mild to generate significant surface movements or damages.
The country sits on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire where seismic activities are frequent.
On Tuesday night, a magnitude 5.4 earthquake hits Isabela province. It was followed by 34 aftershocks, which were recorded until Wednesday morning.
The tectonic earthquake, whose epicenter was located 88 kilometers southeast of Cauayan City, happened at 10:14 p.m. Tuesday.
It was felt at Intensity 5 in Dinapigue town; Intensity 4 in Palanan and Maconacon towns and in Baler, Aurora; Intensity 2 in Baguio City; and Intensity 1 in Metro Manila.
No casualty or damage was reported although there were reports that some residents panicked when the tremor struck. (BOT with Sunnex)
