Aftershocks, damage expected from latest Surigao quake

MANILA -– A 6.5 magnitude earthquake jolted Surigao del Sur early Saturday morning, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

Phivolcs said the earthquake was of tectonic origin and struck 20 kilometers (km) north 57 degrees east of the province’s capital Tandag.

The 2:17 a.m. tremor occurred at a depth of 78 kilometers, Phivolcs continued.

Latest available Phivolcs data show the earthquake was felt at intensity 5 in Tandag.

Phivolcs describe such intensity as “strong” and “generally felt by most people indoors and outdoors.”

The earthquake was also felt at intensity 4 in Surigao City and Dapa municipality, Phivolcs continued.

Such intensity is “moderately strong’ and “felt generally by people indoors and some people outdoors,” Phivolcs noted.

Phivolcs further reported the earthquake was felt at intensity 3 in Surigao del Sur’s Bislig City and Agusan del Norte’s Butuan City.

Intensity 3 quakes are “weak” and “felt by many people indoors especially in upper floors of buildings,” Phivolcs added.

Phivolcs said aftershocks are expected. (PNA)