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

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.

The December 2 temblor occurred at 10:37 p.m., reportedly at magnitude 7.5. Phivolcs said it was 6.9 magnitude and then changed it to 7.4 magnitude in a bulletin issued at 3:23 a.m. on December 3.

A movement in the Philippine trench caused the 7.4-magnitude tremor that triggered tsunami alerts in the country and Japan. Phivolcs lifted the tsunami warning on Sunday morning.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said one person reportedly died, and four others were wounded from the quake.

READ: Pregnant lady among casualties in Hinatuan quake, Defense chief says