19 aftershocks recorded in Mindanao -- Phivolcs

THE Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded at least 19 aftershocks in some parts of Mindanao, following the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that shook Visayas and Mindanao areas around 8:45 p.m. Friday.

The quake's epicenter was recorded 112 kilometer (km) southeast of Guiuan, Eastern Samar.

Based on the latest report of the Seismological Observation and Earthquake Prediction Division of Phivolcs, there were seven separate earthquakes recorded mostly in Surigao area and its neighboring municipalities since Friday until Saturday morning with an intensity of five and above.

On Saturday morning, magnitude 5.5 and 6 tremors were also felt in Burgos in Surigao del Norte around 10 a.m.

The quake that happened on Friday also jolted the following areas in Mindanao with the respective intensities: Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte—Intensity 6; Mati City; Compostela, Compostela Valley; Bislig City; Davao City; Cateel, Davao Oriental—Intensity 5.

Phivolcs said in their report that the 7.7 earthquake was tectonic in origin with a depth of 45 km below seabed.

Right after the quake, Phivolcs also issued a tsunami alert, especially to communities along the eastern coast of the country.

"The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) also reported a three centimeter tsunami recorded by the tide gauges in Legaspi City around 9:43 p.m. and Davao City at 9:50 p.m. Waves not higher than half meter were also reportedly observed in Pilar, Surigao del Norte in Siargao Island about 10 minutes after the earthquake," Phivolcs said in a separate report lifting the earlier tsunami alert they have issued.

"All local government units (LGUs) in affected areas were told to advice their constituents to return to their houses. No bigger tsunami associated with this earthquake is expected to follow after this cancellation. All tsunami alerts are now lifted," the advisory read.

Meanwhile, the Davao City Disaster Risk-Reduction and Management Council did not record any significant damage or emergency associated with the intensity 5 earthquake that was felt in Davao City.