A magnitude 5.5 tectonic earthquake jolted Surigao del Sur shortly after midnight on Monday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported.
The offshore tremor struck at 12:48 a.m., with its epicenter traced 24 kilometers northeast of the municipality of Bayabas. It registered a shallow depth of 20 kilometers.
According to Phivolcs, the quake was felt at varying strengths across several provinces. A moderately strong Intensity IV was reported in Bayabas and Tandag City in Surigao del Sur, as well as in Claver, Surigao del Norte. Meanwhile, Intensity III shook the towns of Cagwait and Lingig in Surigao del Sur.
Residents in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, alongside Nabunturan, Compostela, Montevista, and Monkayo in Davao de Oro, experienced a weaker Intensity II vibration.
State seismologists also logged the following instrumental intensities through ground-monitoring equipment:
- Intensity III: Hinundayan, Southern Leyte
- Intensity II: San Francisco and Sogod, Southern Leyte; Baybay City, Abuyog, and Hilongos, Leyte; Nabunturan, Davao de Oro; and Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental
- Intensity I: San Fernando, Bukidnon; and Dulag, Leyte
Phivolcs clarified that reported intensities are derived from real-time eyewitness accounts of individuals in affected areas, whereas instrumental intensities are calculated using specialized sensors that record ground acceleration.
While the agency warned that aftershocks are likely to follow, it reassured the public that the tremor is not expected to cause any structural damage.