Recently, the Philippines was struck by a magnitude 6 earthquake particularly in some parts of Mindanao. The strong earthquake damaged several structures, including a portion of the national highway.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said the quake struck on the morning of April 12 at 5:21 a.m. and was located some 14 kilometers northwest of Wao, Lanao del Sur.

It was felt at Intensity 7 – classified as destructive – in Wao and Kalilangan, Bukidnon; and Intensity 4 (moderately strong) in Cagayan de Oro City; Cotabato City; Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental; Matalam, North Cotabato and Davao City.

The tremor was also felt at Intensity 3 in Kabacan, North Cotabato; Maramag, Quezon, Don Carlos, Bukidnon; Lebak, Sultan Kudarat; Intensity 2 in Kidapawan City, Koronadal City; and Intensity 1 in Camiguin, Misamis Oriental.

Photo Credit: Earthquake Newz

What to do when there’s an earthquake?

DROP down onto your hands and knees before the earthquake would knock you down. COVER your head and neck (and your entire body if possible) under the shelter of a sturdy table or desk. HOLD ON to your shelter (or to your head and neck) until the shaking stops.

If you are outdoors during an earthquake:

Stay there. Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires. Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits and alongside exterior walls.

What will you do before and after an earthquake?

Make sure you have a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, and extra batteries at home. Here’s a list of essential products you need. Learn how to turn off the gas, water, and electricity. Make up a plan of where to meet your family after an earthquake. Don’t leave heavy objects on shelves (they’ll fall during a quake).

The Philippines is located along a typhoon belt and the so-called Ring of Fire, a vast Pacific Ocean region where about 90 percent of the world’s earthquakes and 81 percent of the world’s largest earthquakes occur.

To get the latest earthquake information, check out PHIVOLCS Earthquake Bulletins of latest seismic events in the Philippines here.