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An earthquake struck the east coast of the Philippines’ Mindanao island on Saturday. The magnitude of the earthquake was 6.7 on the Richter scale. The German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ) said the epicenter of the earthquake was at a depth of 10 km (6.21 miles) below the ground. According to the US Geological Survey, the magnitude of the earthquake was 6.8. The US National Tsunami Warning Center said there was no threat of a tsunami from the earthquake.
The Philippine seismological agency PHIVOLCS said the quake was not expected to cause damage but warned of aftershocks. The Philippines lies in the Pacific Ocean’s “fire ring”, where volcanic activity and earthquakes are common.
Fear of major earthquake in the Philippines
Earthquakes have always occurred in the Philippines, but the people there are afraid of a big earthquake, which will kill a large number of people and destroy the country. Stories of big earthquakes have been going on here for generations. In the Philippines, there are no houses like Japan, which are not affected by earthquakes or are affected very little. Despite this, people here have become accustomed to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. This is why there was no damage despite the magnitude being more than 6 on the Richter scale. In countries like India, where the risk of earthquakes is relatively low, an earthquake of magnitude 6 can cause a lot of destruction here.
Why do earthquakes occur?
In recent times, an increase in the number of earthquakes is being seen in many areas of the country and the world. Actually, there are 7 tectonic plates inside our earth. These plates keep rotating in their places continuously. However, sometimes there is a collision or friction between them. This is the reason why earthquakes are seen on the earth.
Every year around 20 thousand earthquakes occur in the world
Every year around 20 thousand earthquakes occur in the world but their intensity is not so high that people suffer heavy losses. The National Earthquake Information Center records these earthquakes. According to information, only 100 out of 20 thousand earthquakes cause damage. The longest lasting earthquake in history so far occurred in the Indian Ocean in 2004. This earthquake was felt for 10 minutes.
How can we estimate the intensity of an earthquake on the Richter scale?
- 0 to 1.9 Information is obtained from seismograph
- 2 to 2.9 indicates very low vibration
- 3 to 3.9 It will feel like a heavy vehicle has passed by
- 4 to 4.9 Household items may fall from their places
- 5 to 5.9 Heavy items and furniture may move
- 6 to 6.9 Base of building may crack
- 7 to 7.9 buildings collapse
- Threat of tsunami of magnitude 8 to 8.9, more destruction
- 9 or more is the most severe disaster, the tremor of the earth will be clearly felt
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