CEBU CITY (Updated) -- A strong earthquake rocked the provinces of Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte, including nearby areas, Thursday night, May 10, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported.
Phivolcs said aftershocks are expected after the magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck at 7:56 p.m. Thursday.
The quake, which was tectonic in origin, was located nine kilometers southwest of Libjo, Dinagat Islands, Phivolcs said, adding that the tremor's depth of focus was just 21 kilometers.
Intensity 5 (strong temblor) was felt in Surigao City and in the towns of Guiuan and Salcedo in Eastern Samar province.
Intensity IV (moderately strong) was felt in Carascal, Surigao Del Sur; Lawaan and Giporlos, Eastern Samar; Butuan City; San Francisco, San Juan and Hinunangan towns in Southern Leyte; and Tolosa, Leyte.
Phivolcs said Dulag town, Leyte; Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental; and Palo, Leyte experienced Intensity 3 (weak) shaking; while Intensity 2 was felt in Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur; and Cagayan De Oro City.
Phivolcs said there were no reported damages as of 8:21 p.m. Thursday.
In 2017, a magnitude 6.7 quake struck Surigao City, leaving at least eight people dead and more than 200 others injured. The Surigao City Council declared the city under a “state of calamity” as the earthquake affected 9,320 individuals and damaged P700 million worth of properties. (SunStar Philippines)