EARTHQUAKE SAFETY ADVISORY

Following the Magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Northern Cebu on September 30, 2025, claiming lives, injuring many, and triggering hundreds of aftershocks, knowing what to do during and after an earthquake can save lives. Here are some safety measures to take during and immediately after an earthquake.

What to do during an earthquake?

  • Duck, Cover, and Hold. Drop to the ground, cover your head and neck, take cover under a sturdy table or proceed next to an interior wall, and hold on until shaking stops. Stay indoors until shaking ends. Do not rush outside.
  • If you are in bed, stay there until shaking stops and protect your head with a pillow.
  • If near the door, vacate the building immediately or once shaking stops.
  • If outdoors, move to an open space away from buildings, trees, and power lines.
  • If driving, pull over safely, stop, and stay in the vehicle until shaking stops. Keep away from overpasses and bridges.
  • If near the coast and strong shaking lasts more than 20 seconds, move to higher ground immediately.

What to do after an earthquake?

  • Expect aftershocks and be prepared to duck, cover, and hold again. Move to a safe open area if structures look unstable.
  • Check yourself and others for injuries. Give first aid if trained. Treat life-threatening bleeding first or call for emergency help if needed.
  • Inspect surroundings. Watch for damaged electrical wiring, water leaks, downed lines, or cracked walls. Evacuate damaged buildings.
  • If you suspect a gas leak, turn off the main gas valve, open windows, and leave the building. Call the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). If you detect a strong gas odor or hear a leak, please evacuate the area immediately.
  • Communicate efficiently. Use SMS or social media to communicate, but keep calls short to free up networks.
  • Stay out of damaged buildings. Even if a building looks standing, structural damage can make it unsafe. Wait for official inspection/clearance.
  • Be careful around hazards. Fallen power lines, broken glass, unstable walls, or landslide-prone slopes, especially after heavy rain.
  • Follow official advisories from PHIVOLCS, NDRRMC, and local DRRM offices.

What to have in your go bag (24-72-hour kit)?

  • Drinking water
  • Ready-to-eat food
  • Flashlight, extra batteries, whistle, and power bank
  • First aid kit, personal medicines, face masks, and alcohol/sanitizer
  • Important documents in waterproof pouch
  • Some cash, as ATMs or power may be down, clothing, a blanket, and hygiene supplies

Other reminders:

  • Follow official channels. PHIVOLCS, NDRRMC, your local provincial/city/municipal disaster office, and local police or government social media and radio for evacuation orders, relief distribution points, and safety announcements.
  • If your home is unsafe, go to an official evacuation center or to sturdy open ground. Keep distance from cliffs or steep slopes due to landslide risk.
  • If you want to help/donate, help locally first. Check on neighbors, especially the elderly, children, and people with disabilities. Only donate money/goods through reputable organizations such as the Philippine Red Cross and other official local government relief funds) to ensure aid reaches survivors.

Stay calm, alert, and prepared.

References:
PHIVOLCS, Red Cross, DILG, OCD, and Ready.gov emergency preparedness guidelines