6.8 magnitude earthquake, a hoax!

A powerful earthquake shook China last May 12, killing more than 8,700 people and trapping numerous people. With this, messages weer being circulated that a 6.8 magnitude earthquake will hit the Philippine archipelago which is a result of an aftershock of China’s 7.9-magnitude quake.

In a text message that I have received earlier says(as written):

U.s ge0l0gical s0ciety predicts a 6.8 magntude earthquake will hit d phlippne plates 2nyt.pls be calm nd alert. Diz txt msg is frm hawaii state emrgncy preparedness offce.plz pass,<n0 harm in being prepared>letz pray diz wil n0t happen.

In an interview and research conducted by TV Patrol World (ABS-CBN Channel 2), there were no such organization that can predict earthquake.

I myself did a research regarding the latest earthquake that hits the Philippines.

According to U.S. Geological Society:

Date and Time: May 14, 2008 at 05:48:33 AM

Location: 16.461°N, 122.273°E (Luzon, Philippines)

Magnitude: 5.3

US Geological Survey said quakes cannot be forecast.

According to PHIVOLCS:

Date and Time: 14 May 2008 - 05:48 AM

Location: 16.53ºN, 122.46ºE    -    21 km NE of  of Dinapigui (Isabela)

Magnitude: 4.7

Date and Time: 14 May 2008 - 12:38 AM

Location: 16.54ºN, 122.60ºE - 102 km S 65° E of  of Cauayan (Isabela)

Magnitude: 4.2

There was a statement released by PHIVOLCS at 2:00 in the afternoon to clarify this big rumor spreading. It says:

PHIVOLCS CLARIFICATION

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology would like to inform the general public that the text message currently circulating in the Philippines about a prediction by a certain “US Geological Society” of a “magnitude 6.8 earthquake to hit Philippine Plates tonight”, purportedly issued by  the “Hawaii State Emergency Preparedness Office” IS A HOAX. This hoax started the day after the Magnitude 7.9 China earthquake of May 12, 2008.

There is no organization currently capable of predicting an earthquake which is very specific in terms of magnitude and the date. There is no “US Geological Society”, only US Geological SURVEY but this agency does not issue immediate predictions especially for areas outside the United States of America. Past experiences show that rumors of a predicted strong earthquake are common after disastrous earthquakes in nearby countries.

The Philippines can be affected by a major earthquake but as to when exactly this would happen cannot be predicted and what is important is we continue to practice earthquake preparedness and risk reduction measures.

Hoax or not, let’s all pray that this will not happen.