THE three earthquakes that hit Region 6 Monday, Nov. 5, which also slightly hit Cebu, serve as a lesson for people to be more prepared.

Robinson Jorgio, chief of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), made the reminder while they conducted a part of the Nationwide Tsunami Drill in Olango Island, a pilot area.

Guimaras Province was hit by a 3.8 magnitude earthquake at 7:50 a.m.; 4:0 magnitude in San Jose, Antique at past 8 a.m.; and 4.8 magnitude at Guimbal, Iloilo at 10:54 a.m.; and all of Region 6.

Jorgio said the intensity meter that they installed at the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (DRRMO) revealed that Cebu City was hit by intensity two.

He said those who plan to build a house or building must do so with sturdier structures that can withstand earthquakes.

Jorgio said they recommended the amendment of the National Structure Code of the Philippines (NSCP) to require more materials in constructing houses or buildings.

However, the 17th Congress will end on June 30, 2019 so this may happen in the 18th Congress, from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2022.

“The people must not wait for the amendment. They may go beyond the minimum requirements, or make it double if they can afford it. While it is illegal to construct a house or a building below the minimum requirement, there is no prohibition if you want to double it to make it stronger,” Jorgio said.

Meanwhile, rainfall reached 75,000 barrels per square kilometer Monday, Nov. 5, at 7:04 a.m. in some parts of Metro Cebu.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration’s (Pagasa) rain gauge registered a 15-millimeter rainfall, which signals the danger of a flash flood.

The heavy rainfall was caused by an intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) in the Visayas, Mindanao and southern Luzon.

Pagasa said it will be sunny today, but scattered rain showers will be experienced later in the afternoon. (EOB, with FVQ OF SuperBalita)