Successive quakes shake Surigao del Sur

A magnitude 4.0 earthquake strikes Surigao del Sur at 8:53 a.m. on Sunday, October 29, 2023, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). (Photo courtesy of Phivolcs)

MANILA, Philippines — Two consecutive earthquakes hit Surigao del Sur on Sunday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

The tectonic temblors were 4.0-magnitude and 4.8-magnitude that struck at 8:53 a.m. and 8:56 a.m., respectively. Their epicenters were located southwest of the province’s Madrid municipality.

Phivolcs initially reported that the first quake was at magnitude 4.5 but later revised it to 4.0-magnitude.

The first earthquake occurred seven kilometers deep and registered Instrumental Intensity I in Cabadbaran City in Agusan del Norte. It was reported at Intensity I in Lanuza, Surigao del Sur.

A magnitude 4.8 earthquake strikes Surigao del Sur at 8:56 a.m. on Sunday, October 29, 2023, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). (Photo courtesy of Phivolcs)

The second earthquake has a five-kilometer depth of focus, Phivolcs noted. As of writing, however, the agency has not issued any Instrumental Intensity nor Intensity for this tremor.

Instrumental Intensity is measured by a scale or a tool computing ground movements within and around the earthquake’s epicenter while Intensity is based on the strength of the movement as felt and reported by the affected population.

State seismologists said no aftershocks or damage are expected from the two quakes.

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