Phivolcs Apologizes for False Earthquake Alert

Photo courtesy of PhilStar

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has acknowledged an error in reporting a magnitude 7.5 earthquake near Davao Oriental on Friday night. Initially, the agency announced the earthquake occurred 15 kilometers north of Caraga at 8:32 pm with a depth of 25 km, causing public concern due to potential damage and aftershocks.

However, shortly after the announcement, the report was removed from Phivolcs' Facebook page, leading to confusion. At 9:50 pm, Phivolcs issued a clarification, stating that the initial information was incorrect due to a system error. The agency apologized for the misinformation and assured the public that they are implementing measures to prevent future errors.

The incident sparked reactions from the public and media, with many questioning the reliability of such alerts. Experts stressed the importance of accurate and timely information in earthquake reporting to ensure public safety and preparedness. Phivolcs’ prompt acknowledgment and apology were seen as positive steps toward maintaining public trust.

Moving forward, Phivolcs is committed to enhancing its systems to avoid similar mistakes. The agency’s focus will be on improving the accuracy of its monitoring and reporting processes, ensuring it remains a reliable source of information during seismic events, reported PhilStar.

Key Takeaways

• Phivolcs misreported a 7.5 magnitude earthquake due to a system error.
• The agency apologized and is taking steps to prevent future incidents.
• Accurate information is crucial for public safety in earthquake scenarios.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from PhilStar 2025-12-02