By: Jim Lloyd Dongiapon
A strong earthquake jolted some areas in Mindanao at around 4:01 AM on Saturday, December 10.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) released a bulletin at 4:12 AM and recorded the strength of the tremor as magnitude 5.9.
However, another bulletin was issued at 5:00 AM, which revised the strength of the earthquake into magnitude 5.6.
The epicenter of the earthquake was 51 kilometers south and 26 degrees east of Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental. Its depth of focus was 61 kilometers, and it was tectonic in origin.
The reported intensities are as follows:
Intensity IV: Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental; Bansalan, Davao del Sur; Malapatan and Malungon, Sarangani
Intensity III: City of Davao; City of Mati, Davao Oriental; Alabel, Glan, and Kiamba, Sarangani; City of Koronadal, Polomolok, Tampakan, and Tupi, South Cotabato; City of General Santos
Intensity II: City of Kidapawan, Arakan, M’lang, Makilala, and Pikit, Cotabato; Maasim, Sarangani; Surallah, South Cotabato; Columbio, Sultan Kudarat
Here are the recorded instrumental intensities:
Intensity IV: Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental; City of Kidapawan, Cotabato; Malapatan, Sarangani
Intensity III: Nabunturan, Davao de Oro; City of Davao; Glan, Kiamba, and Maasim, Sarangani; City of Koronadal, Polomolok, Tampakan, and Tupi, South Cotabato; City of General Santos
Intensity II: Maitum, Sarangani; T’Boli, South Cotabato; Columbio, Sultan Kudarat
Intensity I: Kalilangan, Bukidnon; Norala, Santo Niño, Surallah, and Tantangan, South Cotabato
PHIVOLCS also reported that structural damage is not expected following the earthquake. However, aftershocks remain likely.
The public is reminded to “Drop, Cover, and Hold,” move to open areas when outdoors, avoid steep slopes, move to higher ground when near the coastline, stop the vehicle, and avoid crossing bridges, overpasses, or flyovers during an earthquake.
They are also advised to evacuate as soon as the shaking stops, expect possible aftershocks, monitor the situation on any available platform, put out small fires using extinguishers, and check themselves and others for injuries.