The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded a 5.7-magnitude aftershock that hit Surigao del Sur at 8:31 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 17.
Phivolcs said the tremor, which occurred at a shallow depth of 23 kilometers (km), was an aftershock of the magnitude 7.4 quake that rocked Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur last Dec. 2, 2023.
It located the epicenter of the earthquake at 28 km northeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.
The tremor was strong at Intensity V in City of Bislig, Surigao del Sur, while it was moderately strong at Intensity IV in Tagbina, Surigao del Sur and City of Butuan, Agusan del Norte.
It was also weak at Intensity III in Cagwait and City of Tandag, Surigao del Sur; Pantukan, Maco, and Nabunturan, Davao de Oro; and Magsaysay and City of Gingoog, Misamis Oriental.
Phivolcs said it was slightly felt at Intensity II in City of Davao; City of Cagayan de Oro; Libona, San Fernando, and Talakag, Bukidnon; and Balingasag, Misamis Oriental, while it was scarcely perceptible at Intensity I in Catarman, Guinsiliban, Mambajao, and Sagay, Camiguin.
Phivolcs' instruments also recorded Intensity III in City of Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte; Nabunturan, Davao de Oro; City of Tandag, Surigao del Sur; Intensity II in San Fernando, Bukidnon; City of Digos, Davao del Sur; City of Gingoog, Misamis Oriental; Tampakan and Santo Niño, South Cotabato; and City of Surigao, Surigao del Norte; and Intensity I in Talakag and Malaybalay, Bukidnon; Magpet, Cotabato; City of Davao; Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental; City of Cagayan de Oro; Magsaysay and Balingasag, Misamis Oriental; Malungon, Sarangani; and Tupi, South Cotabato.
Phivolcs said the tremor was tectonic or caused by the movement of an active fault near the area.