The Philippines is in the Pacific "Ring of Fire", thus earthquakes and volcanic activity are common. However, the scenario that jolted Negros Oriental and the Visayas, which was also felt in some parts of Luzon and Mindanao last Monday is not common in the region.

The tremor caused by a new fault line in the Visayas is another reminder for people in disaster-prone areas to be vigilant on what to do when disaster strikes. But aside from the shaken grounds, what made the disaster worst is the chaos brought by people in panic.

Despite the rigid risk reduction and management program of the government and the constant disaster drills in schools, government offices and other private establishment, there are still some who get hurt due to commotion brought by people in panic.

The panic in Cebu that stemmed from false text messages about a tsunami hitting the island and that there was already a deluge, was also another learning experience. Every person should maintain emergency numbers of their local disaster management council, the police, the local government or the barangay from where they can secure updates.

With the advent of technology, an open line of communication may inhibit the risk of disaster, however, we must be responsible on the information that we disseminate to others.

In Western Visayas, some villages in several municipalities are confirmed as landslide-prone. Thus, these areas should not be inhabited by people anymore. A landslide is one of the effects of an earthquake.

It was another reminder for the local government and businesses to ensure that building plans should meet safety standards before a structure's construction is permitted.

It was also a reminder for schools and offices to continuously hold evacuation drills. During an earthquake, it is usually safer to stay indoors and away from tall structures that could collapse on you.

However, evacuation should be done in a calm and organized manner, in order to avoid panic-caused accidents.*