Magnitude 6 tectonic quake strikes Surigao del Norte

MANILA, Philippines — A magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck off the coast of Surigao del Norte yesterday morning, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

The quake occurred at 7:03 a.m., with its epicenter located 13 kilometers south-southeast of General Luna, Surigao del Norte, at a depth of 28 kilometers.

Phivolcs said the quake was felt at Intensity 5 in Basilisa, Cagdianao, Dinagat and San Jose in Dinagat Islands, and in Claver, Surigao del Norte.

Intensity 4 was experienced in Anahawan, Hinunangan, Hinundayan, Liloan, Pintuyan, Saint Bernard, San Francisco, San Juan, San Ricardo and Silago in Southern Leyte; in Butuan City; in Libjo and Tubajon, Dinagat Islands; and in Surigao City, Surigao del Norte.

Intensity 3 was felt in Abuyog, Dulag and Palo, Leyte; in Tacloban City; and in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte.

Meanwhile, Intensity 2was felt in Alangalang, Babatngon and Burauen, Leyte; in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon; in Cagayan de Oro City; and in Laak, Maco, Monkayo and New Bataan, Davao de Oro.

Instrumental intensities registered Intensity 4 in Hinunangan, Hinundayan, San Francisco and Silago, Southern Leyte; in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte; Butuan City; and Surigao City, Surigao del Norte.

Intensity 3 was observed in Abuyog, Alangalang, Dulag, and Hilongos, Leyte; Intensity 2 in San Juan, Southern Leyte; and Intensity 1 in Burauen, Leyte; Cagayan de Oro City; and Davao City.

Phivolcs clarified that the temblor was not an aftershock of the magnitude 7.4 and magnitude 6.8 doublet earthquakes that recently struck off Davao Oriental, but was instead generated by movement along the Philippine Trench.

As of 3 p.m. yesterday, the agency recorded 656 earthquakes in the area within the magnitude range of 1.2 to 4.4, with 80 plotted and none felt.

Phivolcs said no damage is expected from the earthquake, although aftershocks remain possible.

Residents in affected areas were advised to stay alert and observe standard safety precautions in case of further seismic activity.

Schools at risk

More than 6,000 schools may be potentially at risk following the earthquake, the Department of Education (DepEd) reported yesterday.

“Predictive analysis presents 6,082 schools in 17 divisions that may be potentially at risk to the ground shaking event,” the department said.

DepEd emphasized the importance of school-level earthquake preparedness and urged everyone to remain alert and vigilant.

No damage has been reported so far.

The Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service vowed to continue closely monitoring the situation.

Flight interruptions

Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) briefly held two arriving aircraft from Cebu Pacific and Sunlight Airlines from landing at Surigao Airport following the earthquake.

CAAP spokesman Eric Apolonio said Cebu Pacific flight SRQ6759 and Sunlight Airlines flight RLB989 were placed in a holding pattern over Halian while personnel conducted a runway inspection.

Upon completion, both aircraft were cleared to land.

Apolonio added that all airports under CAAP areas 10, 11 and 12 remain operational. — Rudy Santos, Bella Cariaso