![Earthquake Strikes Philippines: The Rapid Social Media Response [VIDEO]](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/archives/03kxLsnfIFEDJh9H3RpgRGw/hero-image.fill.size_1248x702.v1647020650.jpg)
Chaos struck the Philippines on Monday after a magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck the central island of Negros, causing fears of tidal waves and a tsunami.
The quake and its 200-plus aftershocks caused landslides and the death of at least 12 people, according to Reuters.
News of the earthquake and a subsequent tsunami alert quickly spread via social media as updates were sent by individuals and news outlets alike:
USGS: Strong aftershocks of magnitudes 5.2 and 6.0 hit Visayas region a few minutes ago. Details: on.doi.gov/Ah2Is8 on.doi.gov/xIzn4M— ABS-CBN News Channel (@ANCALERTS) February 6, 2012
Oh no no no no no! PHIVOLCS has allegedly released a TSUNAMI ALERT #2 for coastal areas of Negros and Cebu! #Earthquake— Irene (@mindanaoan) February 6, 2012
The rumored tidal wave resulted in a panic captured by a YouTube user in the video above. The videographer is seen running to safety alongside a group of other people also seeking shelter. Vehicles speed along on a nearby road, beeping to alert pedestrians or to call attention to the emergency.
"Tidal wave. . .there's a tidal wave! So everyone is just running and my kids and I have no clue where we're going. We're just running...with a group of people, I guess as far or as high as we can," says the videographer.
The video, which is edited, ends with the camera owner learning the possible danger has subsided.
Once the tsunami alert was lifted, Twitter users echoed the all-clear to friends and family:
"@ANCALERTS: NDRRMC Exec. Dir. Ramos says PHIVOLCS Dir. Solidum & DOST Sec. Montejo said it is ok for residents to return to their homes"— Jemina A. Yamada (@jemilane) February 6, 2012
Please be informed: PHIVOLCS has cancelled tsunami alert. NO MORE DANGER of #earthquake and #tsunami on Visayas and Mindanao. Negros & Cebu.— ♕ Shiro ♕★★★★★(@ShiroUnlimited) February 6, 2012
Some residents felt the chaos was caused by a lack of understanding: (PHIVOLCS is the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, which is charged with monitoring earthquakes and other seismic activity)
IMHO, PHIVOLCS shud explain 2 d public what's d meaning of Tsunami Alert Levels so people wont panic like what happened in Cebu. @raffytima— Dee.The.Butterfly (@vampbutterfly) February 6, 2012
Others posted pictures of the resulting damage:
Photo of the aftermath of the earthquake in the Philippines. Imagine if this was the ground you had been standing on. twitter.com/Mal1y/status/1…— Mally Ahmed (@Mal1y) February 6, 2012
The Philippines lies in the Pacific "Ring of Fire," an area highly prone to seismic activity. In March of last year, an 8.9 magnitude earthquake struck the coast of Japan, triggering a massive and deadly tsunami.
Have you seen any more photos or videos from the Philippines? How can social media be used to help alert people in danger during an emergency? Sound off in the comments below.