Quake hits Mindanao; aftershocks expected

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) yesterday warned the public to brace for aftershocks following the 5.7 magnitude earthquake that hit parts of Mindanao late Thursday night.

Phivolcs director Renato Solidum said an aftershock measuring 3.4 magnitude struck at 5:02 a.m. yesterday with its epicenter traced at 12 kilometers northwest of Carrascal, Surigao del Sur. It was felt at Intensity 2 in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur.

“There can be felt aftershocks,” he said.

Solidum said while there are no instruments that could predict an earthquake, it would be better for the public to prepare like building structures that could withstand powerful tremors.

“Because the Philippines is prone to earthquakes, one must make sure to build houses according to the code, anchor or tie things and equipment that may topple or fall, identify safe places during shaking, prepare emergency kits in rooms ready to be retrieved during strong shaking, and conduct regular earthquake drills,” he said.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported yesterday that Cantilan and Carrascal towns in Surigao del Sur experienced total blackout right after the magnitude 5.7 earthquake at around 11:11 p.m. Thursday. Power was restored at around 1:30 a.m. yesterday, it said.

The council also said rockfalls were observed along the national highway in the Benoni area. However, the roads are still passable, it said.