Magnitude-6 quake shakes Surigao del Sur

MANILA, Philippines — A magnitude-6 earthquake shook Surigao del Sur and nearby areas yesterday morning, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

The quake, which occurred at 6:37 a.m., was located 33 kilometers southeast of San Agustin town.

Phivolcs warned of possible damage and aftershocks from the temblor.

The quake was felt at Intensity 6 in Hinatuan town and Intensity 5 in Bayugan City, Bislig City, Lianga, Lingig, Rosario, San Agustin, San Francisco, Santa Josefa and Talacogon, all in Agusan del Sur.

Phivolcs classifies quakes with Intensities 6 and 5 as very strong and strong, respectively.

Intensity 4 or moderately strong was recorded in Bayabas, Borobo, Cagwait, Lanuza, Marihatag and Tago, all in Surigao del Sur; Laak, Mabini, Maco, Maragusan, Mawab, Monkayo, Nabunturan and Pantukan, all in Davao de Oro, and Butuan City in Agusan del Norte.

Intensity 3 or “weak” was felt in Carmen, Madrid, and Tandag City, all in Surigao del Sur; Balingasag, Cagayan de Oro City, Tagoloan and Villanueva, all in Misamis Oriental; Mati City in Davao Oriental; Tagum in Davao del Norte; San Francisco and San Ricardo, both in Southern Leyte, and Socorro in Surigao del Norte.

The quake was tectonic in origin.