Magnitude 5.8 quake jolts Balut Island in Sarangani

A magnitude 5.8 earthquake jolted Balut Island in Sarangani, Davao Occidental on Wednesday morning, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

The earthquake, which was tectonic in origin, occurred at 10:49 a.m.

It was recorded exactly at 04.99°N, 126.00°E - 079 km S 54° E of Balut Island, and had a depth of focus of 137 kilometers. 

PHIVOLCS said aftershocks are expected following the earthquake, but it might not result in any damage.

Last Friday, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake also hit Davao Occidental, killing nine people.

Eight of these fatalities were from Soccsksargen, while one was from Davao Region, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). 

The earthquake also affected over 16,000 people or 3,000 families in 52 barangays both in Soccsksargen and Davao Region. It also damaged 1,705 houses, of which 1,534 were partially damaged and 171 were totally damaged. 

Likewise, the strong tremors from the magnitude 6.8 earthquake caused portions of a mall ceiling to collapse in General Santos City. 

It also resulted in landslides and wrecked several infrastructures like roads and bridges.

Face-to-face classes in the province have been suspended until Friday, Nov. 24, 2023.

According to Abbey Caballero of GMA Regional TV One Mindanao on "24 Oras," the residents who were hit by the landslide in Barangay Mudan in Glan, Sarangani are still worried.

The authorities earlier said that the more than six hectares of agricultural land affected by the landslide is no longer safe for residential purposes.

More than 80 houses and establishments were partially damaged during last week's tremor, while a house was totally damaged.

Meanwhile, the town's municipal hall was cordoned off due to cracks found inside and outside the building as a result of the earthquake.

The municipal hall employees number over 300 are currently using another government building to continue with the town's daily operations.

On Tuesday, Glan was placed under a state of calamity due to the effects of last week's magnitude 6.8 earthquake in Mindanao.

"We cannot use our quick response fund unless we will declare state of calamity pero yung quick response namin napakaliit lang po P7 million lang. Babawasan pa sa structural engineer, ang matitira nun na P5 million mahigit ‘yun ang pwede naming maitulong,” said Mayor Victor James Yap Sr.—Giselle Ombay/Sherylin Untalan/KBK/LDF/BAP, GMA Integrated News