6.5-magnitude quake shakes Surigao del Sur

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said yesterday a 6.5 magnitude quake awakened residents of Tandag, Surigao del Sur at around 2:17 a.m. yesterday.

Phivolcs said the quake’s epicenter was 22 kilometers northeast of southern Tandag City, and 832 kilometers southeast of Manila. It hit at a depth of 78 kms.

“There was no damage, no casualties,” said Office of Civil Defense chief Benito Ramos hours after the temblor hit. “The earthquake was strong, but its source was deep and far.” 

Phivolcs said the temblor was felt at Intensity 5 in Tandag and Intensity 4 in Surigao City and Dapa, Surigao del Norte.

The quake was recorded at Intensity 3 in Bislig City and Butuan City. 

Phivolcs has so far recorded three aftershocks at 2:54 a.m., 3:55 a.m. and 6:13 a.m. 

Phivolcs said another 4.6 magnitude earthquake was recorded at 4:39 a.m.  The epicenter was traced to Buenavista town in Guimaras province.– Evelyn Macairan, AP