Southern Leyte Earthquake: Phivolcs Confirms Tectonic Origin, No Tsunami Threat

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has provided crucial insights regarding the recent earthquake that struck Southern Leyte, clarifying that the seismic event was tectonic in nature and not indicative of volcanic activity. This clarification is particularly significant in a region where the fear of volcano-related disturbances can heighten following seismic events. On Thursday morning at 7:39 a.m., a magnitude 5.8 earthquake was recorded near San Francisco, Southern Leyte. The tremor was felt widely, reaching as far as Capiz and Cagayan de Oro in Misamis Oriental. Despite the quake's offshore location, Phivolcs reassured the public that it did not pose a tsunami threat. According to Engr. Angelito Lanuza, Phivolcs' supervising science research scientist, the earthquake lacked the necessary magnitude to generate tsunami waves. "The size of 5.8 does not have the capacity to generate a tsunami; we need a magnitude of 6.5 to have a tsunami," he explained. Phivolcs noted that the nearest active volcano to the quake's epicenter is the Cabalian Volcano, situated at least 25 kilometers north of San Francisco. This distance further diminishes concerns regarding volcanic activity triggered by the earthquake. The agency emphasized its commitment to monitoring any earthquakes potentially associated with nearby volcanoes to ensure public safety. In the wake of the earthquake, local infrastructure showed signs of damage, with cracked roads and rockfalls reported along the provincial routes in San Francisco and Liloan. Authorities are likely to conduct thorough inspections to assess the structural integrity of buildings, a step strongly recommended by Phivolcs. The agency urged residents to prioritize safety measures in the event of further seismic activity, specifically advising the "drop, cover and hold" technique to protect against falling debris. As the region begins its recovery from this seismic event, the emphasis remains on preparedness and vigilance. The community is encouraged to remain informed and to engage with local engineers to ensure that safety standards are met in the aftermath of the quake. Phivolcs continues to provide updates and guidance, reinforcing its role as a critical resource for disaster preparedness and response in the Philippines.