The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reports that a magnitude 5.1 aftershock hit waters off Hinatuan town in Surigao del Sur at 12:51 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. This episode is an aftershock of the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that rocked Hinatuan on December 2, 2023. (Photo courtesy of Phivolcs)
MANILA, Philippines — A magnitude 5.1 aftershock hit waters off Hinatuan town in Surigao del Sur province on Wednesday afternoon, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.
The one-kilometer-deep tectonic tremor occurred at 12:51 p.m. and was located 65 kilometers (km) northeast of Hinatuan. The state seismologist noted that it was an aftershock of the 7.4-magnitude quake that jolted Hinatuan on December 2 last year.
Initially, Phivolcs said that Instrumental Intensity II was recorded in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, while its dwellers reported experiencing ground movement at Intensity IV.
Instrumental intensity is measured by an intensity meter or scale, while intensity is the strength of an earthquake as felt and reported by the population, Phivolcs explained previously.
READ: Phivolcs: Movement in PH trench caused 7.4-magnitude quake in Hinatuan
As of writing, Phivolcs said it had not received any report of damage caused by the aftershock. It also warned that another aftershock may follow this event.
At 1:45 p.m,, a magnitude 4.1 aftershock swayed Hinatuan, Phivolcs said in a separate advisory
The tectonic quake occurred 59 km northeast of the town and had a depth of focus of 11 km.
The state seismologist said this aftershock registered Instrumental Intensity I and Intensity III in Bislig City.
A 7.4-magnitude solid quake roused sleeping residents of Hinatuan on December 2, 2023. At least 6,500 aftershocks followed the major earthquake that hit the locality at 10:37 p.m. This temblor triggered tsunami warnings in the country and Japan.
READ: Phivolcs: Movement in PH trench caused 7.4-magnitude quake in Hinatuan
Phivoilcs, however, lifted the tsunami alert for the Philippines on Sunday morning.
Later, the state seismologist said the movements in the Philippine trench caused the quake.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that three people were killed and 74 others were injured from the earthquake.