Phivolcs: Magnitude 5.3 quake off Cagwait town in Surigao del Sur

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) says that a magnitude 5.3 quake hit waters off Cagwait municipality in Surigao del Sur on Thursday morning, February 29, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Phivolcs)

(UPDATED: 3:25 p.m., February 29, 2024, to reflect the revised magnitude of the earthquake, from 5.6 to 5.3, and location, from Hinatuan to Cagwait, as well as to include reported and measured intensities/instrumental intensities, according to Phivolcs.)

MANILA, Philippines — A magnitude 5.3 earthquake hit waters off Cagwait municipality in Surigao del Sur on Thursday morning, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

State seismologists earlier reported that the temblor was at magnitude 5.6 and that it occurred near the waters of Hinatuan municipality.

Phivolcs said Thursday morning’s quake was an aftershock to the magnitude 7.4 movement that swayed the province on December 2.

READ: Phivolcs: Surigao del Sur quake at 7.4-magnitude, aftershocks recorded

In a bulletin, Phivolcs said the earthquake happened 8:10 a.m. at 78 kilometers (km) east of Cagwait. It also said that the tectonic temblor had a depth of focus of 9 km.

Phivolcs likewise said that Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur experienced the quake at Intensity V; and Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, at Intensity IV, while its scales measured the shaking at Instrumental Intensity II in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur.

READ: Moderate earthquakes rock Mindanao

State seismologists previously explained that instrumental intensity is measured by an intensity meter or scale while intensity refers to the actual feel of the quake as reported by the affected population.

No aftershocks or damage to property were expected from this quake, according to Phivolcs.