Magnitude-5.6 earthquake strikes Gen. Luna, Surigao del Norte

A magnitude-5.6 earthquake struck General Luna in Surigao del Norte on Saturday early morning, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported.

In an advisory at 4:13 p.m. Saturday, PHIVOLCS said the tectonic earthquake hit east of General Luna at 2:42 a.m. It had a depth of focus of 51 kms.

State volcanologists initially reported the quake at magnitude-5.7 with a depth of 40 kms, occurring at 2:43 a.m.

While no damage was recorded, PHIVOLCS said aftershocks are expected.

Reported intensities—which are based on what people feel and effects on structures and the environment—were listed in multiple areas in PHIVOLCS' new advisory.

In Surigao del Norte, the earthquake was felt at Intensity IV in Surigao City, General Luna, Del Carmen, San Isidro, Dapa, Claver, and Placer.

The same was experienced in Surigao del Sur at Tandag City, Carrascal, Cantilan, Madrid, Carmen, Lanuza, Cortes, Tago, Bayasbas, Cagwait, and San Miguel.

Intensity III was felt in Butuan City, as well as Dinagat, Cagdianao, San Jose, and Basilisa in Dinagat Islands.

Intensity II was reported in Libjo, Tubajon, and Loreto also in Dinagat Islads; Silago, Hinunangan, San Juan, Anahawan, Libagon, and Hinindayan in Southern Leyte; and Cagayan de Oro City in Misamis Oriental.

Bislig City in Surigao del Sur felt the quake at Intensity I.

Up to the Visayas

Meanwhile, instrumental intensities—which are measured based on accelerometer readings—showed the quake's reach not just in eastern Mindanao but in the Visayas as well.

Based on instrumental intensities, the quake came in at Intensity III in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur. Intensity II was logged in Sogod and Hinundayan in Southern Leyte; Dulag in Leyte province; Gingoog City and Cagayan de Oro City in Misamis Oriental; and Cebu City in Cebu province.

The incident was recorded at Intensity I in Padre Burgos in Southern Leyte; Palo in Leyte: Malaybalay in Bukidnon; Nabuntaran in Davao de Oro; and Carcar in Cebu.

In preparing updates on earthquake intensities, PHIVOLCS has said its personnel and concerned citizens report and verify reported intensities of earthquakes in a specific area. PHIVOLCS has also said that reported intensities are better to report than instrumental intensities because the information can be confirmed by its staff. — LDF/ VDV, GMA Integrated News