Stay calm, vigilant, Palace tells public after Leyte quake

A low-rise building in Kananga, Leyte collapsed after a strong 6.5 magnitude earthquake jolted the Visayas Thursday. (Contributed photos by Queene Joy Reforzado)

Malacañang on Thursday called on the public to stay calm yet vigilant after a strong earthquake hit Leyte province.

The 6.5-magnitude earthquake, which rattled Leyte at 4:03 p.m., was centered eight kilometers southwest of Jaro town, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said.

“We ask our people, especially residents of affected areas, to stay calm and yet remain alert and vigilant for aftershocks as we assure them of immediate assistance by the government,” presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement.

“We ask our people to regularly check the Phivolcs website for the latest earthquake information.  Updates will be provided as soon as more information becomes available,” Abella added.