COTABATO CITY — Local officials have ordered the preemptive evacuation of hundreds of residents in the coastal towns of Kalamansig, Lebak, and Palimbang following a series of alarming earthquakes that have rattled Sultan Kudarat over the past 48 hours.
Kalamansig Mayor Ronan Eugene Garcia placed the municipality on full alert Wednesday night as seismic activity continued. Monitoring data recorded a magnitude 4.5 tremor at 9:50 p.m., centered 47 kilometers west of Kalamansig, which was felt at Intensity III in the area.
Tsunami Fears and Safety Measures The succession of tremors has sparked deep concern among coastal communities, with many residents fearing a potential tsunami. “Successive minor quakes could be an indication of a stronger one,” Mayor Garcia warned in a radio interview. “Your safety is our priority. Let us move to an elevated and safe place.”
In response to the threat, several precautionary measures have been implemented:
- Temporary Fishing Ban: All sea-related activities are prohibited due to the risk of aftershocks.
- Suspension of Work and Classes: Governor Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu issued an executive order suspending classes and government work in the three affected coastal towns.
- Prepositioned Relief: Provincial disaster workers have been instructed to distribute food and non-food items, while the Sultan Kudarat Mobile Hospital has been deployed to provide first-aid and medicines.
Impact on Infrastructure Initial inspections by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) revealed that at least five classrooms in Kalamansig are currently unsafe for use due to cracks found in their concrete walls.
Hundreds Displaced Residents from coastal barangays—including Sta. Clara, Pag-asa, Poblacion, and Sangay—fled their homes on Wednesday night, carrying valuables to evacuation centers, public schools, and covered courts. While some families began returning home Thursday morning, many opted to stay in safer, elevated areas as mild aftershocks continue to be felt.
Local authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging the public to remain vigilant and stay tuned for further advisories from PHIVOLCS and the provincial government.