BUTUAN CITY – No damages were recorded in Surigao del Sur after two moderate earthquakes struck the town of Bayabas on Sunday evening and early Monday morning, May 25, officials said.
The first tremor hit at around 9:19 p.m. on Sunday, located 57 kilometers northeast off the coast of Bayabas, with a magnitude of five. The second earthquake was registered at 12:48 a.m. on Monday, 24 kilometers northeast of the same town.
"We immediately conducted monitoring after these earthquakes struck, and so far, there were no reports of damage from the municipalities, especially in Bayabas town, based on initial reports," said John Vincent Pimentel, provincial administrator of Surigao del Sur, in an interview on Monday.
He added that assessment and monitoring are continuing in the respective Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (MDRRMOs).
"Gov. Johnny Pimentel called me after receiving the report on the twin quakes and ordered the conduct of assessments in the cities and municipalities in the province," Pimentel said.
In a separate interview, Lot Garrido, the acting provincial DRRMO, said the second tremor was stronger than the first at magnitude 5.5. It was tectonic in origin and had a depth focus of 20 kilometers.
Based on data from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), Intensity III was felt in Tandag City during the first earthquake. During the second earthquake, Intensity IV was felt in Bayabas and Tandag City; Intensity III in Cagwait and Lingig; and Intensity II in Bislig City.
"Based on the initial reports from our MDRRMOs, no damages were recorded during these earthquakes," Garrido said.
He added that MDRRMOs continue to conduct assessments in their localities. (with PNA)