Magnitude 5.6 quake hits off Surigao del Norte

INQUIRER files

MANILA, Philippines — A magnitude 5.6 earthquake hit off the shore of Surigao del Norte early Saturday morning, causing a “moderately strong” impact inland, state meteorologists said.

The tectonic earthquake, which struck 35 kilometers south east of General Luna town at 2:42 a.m. had a depth of 58 kilometers, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

The tremor’s intensities were also felt in Surigao del Sur.

READ: Phivolcs records 86 offshore quakes in Ilocos Sur Dec 17-22

Intensity IV (moderately strong) was reported in towns of General Luna, Del Carmen, San Isidro, Dapa and Claver, while Intensity I (scarcely perceptible) was also logged in Bislig City.

Also, instrumental intensities were recorded in the following areas:

Intensity III (weak) – Tandag City, Surigao del Sur

Intensity II (slightly felt) – Mambajao, Camiguin; Cebu City; Dulag, Leyte; Gingoog, Misamis Oriental; Sogod, Southern Leyte

Intensity I (scarcely perceptible) – Malaybalay, Bukidnon; Carcar, Cebu; Nabunturan, Davao de Oro; Palo, Leyte; Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte

Felt intensity is the degree of ground shaking actually felt and reported by the people through the Phivolcs’ Earthquake Intensity Scale.

Instrumental intensity is indicated by the ground shaking intensity measured by the intensity meters in and around the epicentral area.

Phivolcs said aftershocks are expected after the earthquake, but damage is unlikely.