PHILIPPINE EARTHQUAKE - 6.O RICHTER SCALE

UNCLAS MANILA 003777 SIPDIS SIPDIS FOR S/ES-CMR, EAP/EX, OBO/OM/AM/EAP, OPS CENTER E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ABLD AMGT ASEC CASC KSAF RP SUBJECT: PHILIPPINE EARTHQUAKE - 6.O RICHTER SCALE ¶1. Manila experienced a 6.0 magnitude earthquake at 12:27 PM (04:27 UCT) today, November 27, 2007. Post immediately communicated with offices and conducted building assessments, per established action plans. There were no reported injuries or structural damages to USG staff or facilities, nor were there any reports of damage in other parts of the country according to local news reports. There are also no known US ships at port in affected areas, and the Consular Section has not identified any affected Americans, nor has the Peace Corps. ¶2. According to U.S. Geological Survey's Web site, the epicenter's location was 16.0370N, 119.9060E. This location is 195 km (120 miles) NW of Manila (a peninsula on the west coast of northern Luzon). Similar reports were posted on Filipino and Japanese geological Web sites. ¶3. The Ambassador called a meeting of action offices to discuss measures taken immediately following the earthquake and what measures should be addresses in the future. ¶4. Earthquakes are a real and frequent threat in the Philippines. Earthquake guidance is part of Post's regular Newcomers briefings and is widely communicated to all Mission personnel during its regularly-held emergency preparedness town hall meetings. An Earthquake drill was also featured during Post's recent crisis management exercise. Post issued a Mission-wide OpenNet broadcast, as well as a cell phone SMS text alert to all staff and family members which communicated events and guidance within an hour of today's earthquake. The Consular Section is posting a notice on its warden website. ¶5. Post will continue to monitor geological and news reports for further information and will relay any negative change in status. KENNEY