5.9 quake rocks parts of Vis-Min

MANILA, Philippines - A magnitude 5.9 earthquake rocked parts of the Visayas and Mindanao yesterday afternoon, triggering panic and power outages in Surigao City, where it was felt strongest at Intensity 6, and other parts of Surigao del Norte, authorities said. 

Renato Solidum, director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, said the tremor, which occurred at around 3:58 p.m., was also felt at Intensity 5 in Gen. Luna, Surigao del Norte; Basilisa, Dinagat; and San Ricardo, Southern Leyte; Intensity 4 in Carrascal, Surigao del Sur; and Intensity 3 in Tolosa and Tacloban City, Leyte; Bislig, Surigao del Sur; Davao City; and Borongan, Oras and Dolores, all in Eastern Samar.

It was felt at Intensity 2 in Cebu City and Sulat, Eastern Samar, and Intensity 1 in Hibok-hibok, Camiguin.

Solidum said they were expecting damage and aftershocks from the quake. However, he said the tremor was not expected to generate a tsunami.

The quake was traced at two kilometers southwest of Dinagat, Surigao del Norte.