LIVE UPDATES: Magnitude 7.4 Surigao del Sur earthquake

By: 12 months ago

Earthquake preparedness saves lives: What to do

(Note: This report was first published on July 29, 2022 following a magnitude 7 quake in Abra province. We are reposting this in the wake of the 7.4 quake that hit Surigao del Sur recently as a reminder of the need for preparedness)

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MANILA, Philippines—Can earthquake drills actually help save lives and lessen casualties, especially in earthquake-prone countries such as the Philippines?

The Philippines, located at the western edge of the so-called “Pacific Ring of Fire,” is known as one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world—experiencing at least 100 to 150 earthquakes per year, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

Are Filipinos prepared for the Big One?

(This is a report published by INQUIRER.net in May 2011. We are reposting it as a reminder of the need for vigilance and preparedness in light of the 7.4 quake in Surigao del Sur a few days ago)

RESCUE workers search the ruins of Hyatt Hotel after a strong earthquake hit Baguio City.

MANILA, Philippines—About 34,000 people dead instantly and 24,000 dead or dying in the rubble. About 110,000 injured and needing immediate treatment. Five hundred fires raging simultaneously.

Metro Manila faces these and several other horrific scenes should a 7.2-magnitude earthquake hit the country’s most populous urban area, according to a report released by a multinational firm doing intelligence work for clients on business and security in the Philippines.

Surigao del Sur placed under a state of calamity

December 6, 2023 – 12:46PM

People evacuate following an earthquake, in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, Philippines, on December 2, 2023. (Photo from Hinatuan LGU/Handout via REUTERS)

MANILA, Philippines – The provincial government of Surigao del Sur has placed the entire province under a state of calamity after a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck off its coasts on Saturday evening (December 2).

The provincial council issued Resolution No. 1410-23 on Wednesday, declaring a state of calamity, following Hinatuan town’s similar declaration the previous day.

887 aftershocks followed Monday’s magnitude 6.8 quake in Surigao del Sur

December 6, 2023 – 8:47AM

This house in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, is among the homes heavily damaged or destroyed by earthquake. (Photo from Erwin M. Mascariñas)

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 887 aftershocks were recorded by state seismologists on Wednesday after a magnitude 6.8 earthquake hit the area on Monday off Cagwait town, Surigao del Sur.

These aftershocks ranged from 1.4 to 5.8, and only six of them were felt by the locals, according to Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

3 persons killed magnitude 7.4 earthquake in Surigao del Sur

December 6, 2023 – 8:40AM

OPEN SPACE Residents of Barangay Bituon in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur have camped on the streets since Sunday for fear that their houses would give way to the continuing strong aftershocks caused by the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck off the coast of the town at 10:37 p.m. on Saturday. (Photo by ERWIN M. MASCARIÑAS)

MANILA, Philippines — Three people were reported to have died due to the magnitude 7.4 earthquake in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said in a report on Wednesday.

These fatalities, however, are still being validated by NDRRMC.

There were also 48 reported injuries due to the tremor.

Almost 3,000 aftershocks recorded in magnitude 7.4 quake in Surigao del Sur

December 6, 2023 – 8:11AM

SAFER HERE Residents of Barangay Bitoon in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, on Monday set up makeshift shelters in a school ground for fear of staying in their houses, which might give way to strong aftershocks in the wake of Saturday’s magnitude 7.4 earthquake. —ERWIN M. MASCARIÑAS

MANILA, Philippines — Almost 3,000 aftershocks were recorded on Wednesday after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake hit waters off Surigao del Sur’s Hinatuan town over the weekend, state seismologists said.

As of 5:00 a.m., a total of 2,959 aftershocks were logged in the province, with strength ranging from magnitude 1.4 to 6.6, according to Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

Out of this number of aftershocks, only 34 were felt.

State of calamity declared in quake-hit Surigao del Sur town

December 6, 2023 – 4:30AM

FILE PHOTO: This house in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, is among the houses heavily damaged or destroyed by the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck waters off the municipality on Saturday night, December 2, 2023. Erwin M. Mascariñas

HINATUAN, SURIGAO DEL SUR—The local government here has placed Hinatuan under a state of calamity in the wake of the extensive damage caused to the municipality by the magnitude 7.4 quake that struck off its coasts on Saturday evening, which was felt at Intensity 6 in the locality.

The municipal council presided by Vice Mayor Tito Cañedo III made the declaration in a special session on Sunday, as recommended by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) chaired by Mayor Shem Garay, to “address the immediate needs of the community and lay the groundwork for a comprehensive recovery.”

Twin strong aftershocks strike waters off Cagwait, Surigao del Sur

December 5, 2023 – 6:20PM

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Two successive strong tremors with magnitudes 5.7 and 5.5 rocked the waters off Cagwait town in Surigao del Sur on Tuesday afternoon, which were the aftershocks of the magnitude 6.8 earthquake in the area the day before, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

The latest magnitude 5.7 tectonic earthquake occurred 56 kilometers northeast of the said town at around 5:42 p.m., with a shallow depth of one kilometer (km).

Felt intensity (intensity IV moderately strong) was reported at Tandag City, Surigao del Sur, while Phivolcs logged an instrumental intensity II (weak) in the same city.

No classes in some areas in Mindanao after magnitude 7.4 quake

December 4, 2023 – 10:52AM

EMERGENCY Patients are evacuated out of Manuel J. Santos Hospital in Butuan city on Saturday night after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake caused a part of the hospital building to catch fire, engulfing the vicinity with smoke. (Photos from ERWIN MASCARIÑAS)

MANILA, Philippines – Several municipalities in Mindanao have suspended classes on Monday, December 4, following the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that shook many provinces on Saturday.

To allow building safety inspections in the aftermath of the temblor, classes are suspended in the following areas:

54 aftershocks logged following 6.8-magnitude quake off Cagwait town

December 4, 2023 – 9:59AM

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded 54 aftershocks following a magnitude 6.8 earthquake off Cagwait Municipality in Surigao del Sur early Monday, state seismologists said.

Of the 54 aftershocks, Phivolcs said that only 13 were recorded with magnitudes ranging from 1.8 to 5.6.

The tectonic tremor struck 63 kilometers east-southeast of Cagwait at 3:49 a.m. with a shallow depth of focus of one kilometer, state seismologists said.

1,692 aftershocks swayed Surigao del Sur after 7.4-magnitude quake

December 4, 2023 – 7:24AM

People evacuate following an earthquake, in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, Philippines, on December 2, 2023. Hinatuan LGU/Handout via REUTERS

MANILA, Philippines — State seismologists recorded nearly 1, 700 aftershocks in Surigao del Sur since a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake hit waters near the province’s Hinatuan town over the weekend.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said it logged 1,692 aftershocks in the province as of 8 a.m. on Monday, December 4, with strength ranging from magnitude 1.4 to 6.6.

The agency, however, noted that only 18 of the 1,692 aftershocks were felt by dwellers.

Government rushes to assess earthquake damage

December 4, 2023 – 5:10AM

QUAKE AFTERMATH | Twisted metals are what remained of a multipurpose building in Tagbina town, Surigao del Sur. At right, only the roof of a collapsed house can be seen after the strong quake. (Photo by ERWIN MASCARIÑAS / Inquirer Mindanao)

MANILA, Philippines — The government rushed to assess the damage caused by the magnitude 7.4 earthquake off Mindanao’s eastern seaboard, as agencies scrambled to identify what was needed in different parts of the country.

Only hours after the magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck 29 kilometers off the coastal town of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, at 10:37 p.m. on Saturday, the government seemed not to have a firm handle on the situation early Sunday.

Latest in a series: Magnitude 6.8 quake strikes again off Surigao del Sur

December 4, 2023 – 4:45AM

MANILA, Philippines — Another earthquake, this time of magnitude 6.8, struck 63 kilometers off east-southeast of Cagwait in Surigao del Sur on Monday, just a day after a magnitude 7.4 tremor (initially reported as 6.9) shook the province and nearby areas.

The latest quake, which was of tectonic origin with a shallow depth of focus of one kilometer, was recorded at 3:49 a.m., according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

CAAP: No airport damaged by 7.4-magnitude earthquake in Mindanao

December 3, 2023 – 9:26PM

CAAP logo. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said on Sunday that there was no damage to the airports that it operates in Mindanao following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that hit off the coast of Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur on Saturday.

In a statement, CAAP said that “only minor damages” were detected at the following airports based on the initial report from CAAP Area 12 Manager Evangeline Daba:

Butuan Airport
Surigao Airport
Siargao Airport
Tandag Airport
Bislig Airport

Another strong quake hits many parts of Mindanao

December 3, 2023 – 7:00PM

A magnitude 6.0 earthquake again shook many parts of Mindanao on Sunday evening, December 3, 2023, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said. Image from Phivolcs’ earthquake information

MANILA, Philippines – A magnitude 6.0 earthquake rattled many parts of Mindanao anew on Sunday evening, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

The earthquake was detected at 6:36 p.m. off Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur.

The tectonic quake had a depth of focus of 10 kilometers and was an aftershock of the magnitude 7.4 quake, which jolted Surigao del Sur on Saturday, Phivolcs said.

Pregnant lady among casualties in Hinatuan quake, Defense chief says

December 3, 2023 – 4:07PM

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay on October 18, 2023. | PHOTO: INQUIRER.net / Arnel Tacson

MANILA, Philippines — One pregnant lady reportedly died due to the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck off the coast of Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur on Saturday, Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro confirmed on Sunday.

He added that four others were injured, but no one was missing due to the calamity.

Meanwhile, Teodoro said that a total of 529 families, or 2,648 individuals, were affected.

Phivolcs: Movement in PH trench caused 7.4-magnitude quake in Hinatuan

December 3, 2023 – 2:24PM

People evacuate following an earthquake, in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, Philippines December 2, 2023. Hinatuan LGU/Handout via REUTERS

MANILA, Philippines — The magnitude 7.4 earthquake that happened off the coast of Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur on Saturday was caused by movements in the Philippine trench, said Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Director Teresito Bacolcol on Sunday.

The quake happened at 10:37 p.m. on Saturday, December 2.

The state seismologist raised a tsunami alert following the quake but took it down early Sunday.

Residents begin to return home after Surigao del Sur quake kills one

December 3, 2023 – 12:58 PM

People evacuate following an earthquake, in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, Philippines December 2, 2023. Hinatuan LGU/Handout via REUTERS

MANILA, Philippines — Residents were allowed to return to their homes on Sunday after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the country’s south, killing at least one person, with disaster officials reporting minor damage to some infrastructure.

The Saturday night quake shook parts of Surigao Del Sur and Davao Oriental provinces, triggering coastal evacuations and tsunami alerts in the country and in Japan.

December 3, 2023 – 12:36 PM

Several people in Butuan City suffered hyperventilation amid the strong shaking on Saturday night, December 2, 2023, due to the magnitude 7.4 quake off Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. (Photo by ERWIN M. MASCARIÑAS / Inquirer Mindanao)

MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Sunday assured residents rattled by the magnitude 7.4 earthquake off Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, that they will receive immediate and long-term aid from the government

He said the House of Representatives is already coordinating with key agencies to ensure a swift response to affected areas.

December 3, 2023 – 12:30 PM

People gather at an evacuation center, in the aftermath of an earthquake, in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, Philippines, on December 2, 2023. Hinatuan LGU/Handout via REUTERS

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised the strength of the earthquake that struck off Hinatuan to magnitude 7.4 and reported logging several aftershocks in Surigao del Sur early morning on Sunday.

The strong temblor occurred at 10:37 p.m. on Saturday, December 2, and was earlier reported to be at magnitude 7.5 and then changed to 6.9. Phivolcs changed it again to 7.4 in a bulletin issued at 3:23 a.m. on December 3.

December 3, 2023 – 9:34 AM

People evacuate following an earthquake, in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, Philippines, on December 2, 2023. Hinatuan LGU/Handout via REUTERS

MANILA, Philippines — The country lifted a tsunami alert early on Sunday as waves receded from a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck the region near Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur late Saturday night.

The powerful quake, which was initially reported to be magnitude 7.5 by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) and then changed to 6.9 before changing it again to 7.4 at 3:23 a.m. on December 3, also triggered coastal evacuations and some waves in Japan.
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Another strong quake, 6.1 magnitude, rattles Surigao del Sur

December 3, 2023 – 1:06 AM

MANILA, Philippines – A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Lingig, Surigao Del Sur, at 12:03 a.m. on Sunday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported.

This event occurred approximately two and a half hours after an earlier 6.9 magnitude quake hit the same region.

December 2, 2023 – 11:01 PM

People converge on the main streets of Butuan City, anxious to return to their homes after the strong tremor on Saturday night, Dec. 2, 2023. (Photo by ERWIN M. MASCARIÑAS / Inquirer Mindanao)

A powerful earthquake of magnitude of 6.9 (earlier reported as 7.5) struck the region near Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur at 10:37 p.m. Saturday, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

Earlier, the United States Geological Survey reported the magnitude to be 7.6, according to an Associated Press report.