MANILA, Philippines – A magnitude 5.1 earthquake shook the province of Surigao del Sur on Wednesday morning, January 3.
Following the recent 4.7 magnitude earthquake in Sarangani, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has reported another notable quake in a different location. PHIVOLCS stated that the earthquake in Surigao del Sur today measured a magnitude of 5.1.
PHIVOLCS reported that the earthquake occurred at 9:11 a.m., with its epicenter located 32 kilometers southeast of Hinatuan town in Surigao del Sur. The quake, which had a depth of 25 kilometers, was attributed to the Philippine Trench.
Meanwhile, the following instrumental intensities were recorded:
- Intensity V in Bislig City and Hinatuan,
- Intensity III in Tandag City and Lingig town
- Intensity II in Tagbina, Lianga, Bayabas, and Cagwait, all in Surigao del Sur.
The earthquake is not anticipated to result in any damage or injuries, as per statements from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-Caraga and the Surigao del Sur Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC).
Earthquakes are among the natural incidents that cannot be predicted accurately, as most experts in the field agree. Thus, most countries ensure that they have a bureau or an organization that monitors quake incidents across their nation.
Quakes can occur on land and underwater. In the case of the latter, it can trigger a tsunami, thus quake-recording agencies are also often the ones that monitor tsunami threats. They are the bodies releasing advisories whenever there are threats of a tsunami following a strong quake shaking the land in the coastal area or underwater.
On December 2 last year, Hinatuan was also rattled by a magnitude 7.4 earthquake, which caused significant damage to the infrastructure of the area.
The Philippines sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” where tectonic plates collide, causing frequent earthquakes and volcanic activities.
Also Read: Magnitude 7.5 earthquake hits Japan on New Year’s Day
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