Recent Natural Disasters | Calamities | Hazards

May 8, 2023 - A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck the town of Maconacon in Isabela province at 4:48 am on May 8, 2023. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that the earthquake was tectonic in origin, with its epicenter located at a depth of 24 kilometers. The earthquake was felt in several nearby towns and cities, including Tuguegarao City in Cagayan, which is approximately 150 kilometers away from Maconacon. The shaking caused panic among residents, with many running out of their homes and buildings. According to PHIVOLCS, there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties. However, they advised the public to remain vigilant and to expect aftershocks. The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the local government of Maconacon have conducted an assessment of the area and are coordinating with other government agencies to ensure the safety of the residents. Earthquakes are common in the Philippines, which sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismi

May 4, 2023 - A 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck the province of Isabela on Tuesday morning, causing mild to moderate shaking in the area. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported that the epicenter of the earthquake was located 14 kilometers northeast of Palanan town, Isabela, and it occurred at 9:06 am. According to Phivolcs, the earthquake was tectonic in origin and had a depth of 6 kilometers. Although there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage to structures, the earthquake was felt at Intensity IV in Palanan and Intensity III in neighboring towns of Divilacan and Maconacon. Reports suggest that the earthquake caused the ground to shake and sway, which led to some panic and evacuation of homes. Some schools and businesses in the affected areas were temporarily closed as a precautionary measure. The earthquake followed a series of earthquakes that struck the island of Luzon a few days ago, with a 6.1-magnitude earthquake hitting Zambales

The Philippines is frequently struck by natural disasters due to its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire and the regular occurrence of typhoons (Barbosa, 2019). These disasters have included earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, floods, and typhoons, causing significant loss of life and property damage. A notable example is Typhoon Haiyan, which hit the country in November 2013, resulting in over 6,000 deaths, affecting over 16 million people, and causing damage to property worth approximately $2.86 billion (NDRRMC, 2013). Besides typhoons, earthquakes are another significant threat to the Philippines, given its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire. For example, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck the island of Bohol in October 2013, killing over 200 people and causing extensive damage to property and infrastructure (Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, 2013). Moreover, the country experiences frequent volcanic eruptions, as seen in January 2020 when the Taal V