Southern Leyte's 5.8 Quake: No Tsunami Threat, Phivolcs Ensures Safety Measures in Place

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has provided crucial updates following the 5.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Southern Leyte on Thursday morning. The agency clarified that the seismic event, which occurred at 7:39 a.m. off the coast of San Francisco, was tectonic in origin and does not suggest any volcanic activity in the region. In a public advisory, Phivolcs emphasized that while the earthquake was significant, it poses no risk of generating a tsunami. Engr. Angelito Lanuza, Phivolcs’ supervising science research scientist, explained in a televised interview that a quake of this magnitude—5.8—does not have the energy required to trigger tsunami waves. "We need a magnitude of 6.5 or higher to have the potential for a tsunami," Lanuza stated. This reassurance comes as residents were understandably concerned given the quake's offshore occurrence. The closest active volcano, Cabalian Volcano, is located at least 25 kilometers from the quake's epicenter, further distancing the risk of volcanic activity. Despite this, Phivolcs is committed to closely monitoring seismic activities in the vicinity of local volcanoes to ensure public safety. Following the earthquake, visible damage was reported, including cracked roads and instances of rockfalls along provincial roadways in San Francisco and Liloan. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and to consider safety measures in the aftermath of the quake, particularly regarding the inspection of buildings for structural integrity. Phivolcs advocates the "drop, cover, and hold" technique as a fundamental safety practice during seismic events. Local engineers are encouraged to conduct thorough inspections of infrastructure, ensuring that communities are safeguarded against potential aftershocks or future seismic events. As Southern Leyte continues to assess the impact of the quake, Phivolcs remains a vital source of information and guidance, dedicated to the protection and preparedness of the public in the face of natural disasters.