Phivolcs warns against fake alerts on earthquakes, tsunamis

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) warned the public on Thursday about fake alerts or predictions on earthquakes and tsunamis.

“Ang DOST (Department of Science and Technology)-Phivolcs ay hindi nagbibigay ng prediksyon patungkol sa lindol o tsunami,” it said in a tweet.

REMINDERS: There is NO RELIABLE TECHNOLOGY in the world that can confidently PREDICT THE EXACT TIME, DATE, and LOCATION of large earthquakes. ALWAYS BE PREPARED.

Please AVOID SHARING or BELIEVING messages from UNCONFIRMED and UNRELIABLE sources.#NoToFakeNews #HandaAngMayAlam pic.twitter.com/e8LIrEKng7

— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) July 24, 2019

Although authorities warn of a possible 7.2 magnitude earthquake — dubbed “The Big One” — that may lead to the collapse of 170,000 residential houses and the death of 34,000 individuals, Phivolcs said “there is no reliable technology in the world that can confidently predict the exact time, date, and location or large earthquakes.”

READ: The Big One could kill 34,000

The agency also reminded the public to always be prepared for unexpected scenarios.

“Please avoid sharing or believing messages from unconfirmed and unreliable sources,” Phivolcs added. /je