Classes, work in Southern Mindanao cancelled due to magnitude-6.4 quake
EMPLOYEES of the Davao City Water District (DCWD) evacuate outside their building in Matina, Davao City following a magnitude-6.4 earthquake that jolted Southern Mindanao on Wednesday, Aug. 5. (Keith Bacongco)
DAVAO CITY – Provinces suspended classes and work in government offices following a magnitude-6.4 earthquake that rocked Southern Mindanao on Wednesday, Aug. 5.
The provincial government of Sarangani and city government of General Santos cancelled face-to-face classes on all levels and work in government offices.
However, the directive does not cover agencies involved in disaster response and other essential services.
Sultan Kudarat Gov. Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu suspended afternoon classes on all levels in public and private schools.
“Students, parents, teachers, and school personnel are advised to remain vigilant, observe safety protocols, and continue monitoring official advisories from concerned authorities,” Mangudadatu said.
Classes on all levels were also suspended in the city of Kidapawan in Cotabato.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the earthquake’s epicenter was 29 kilometers south of Balut Island in Davao Occidental with a depth of 13 kilometers.
It was felt at Intensity 5 in Glan, Sarangani and Intensity 4 in Kiamba, Alabel, and Malungon, also in Sarangani; General Santos City, and Tupi and Polomolok in South Cotabato.
The earthquake struck as many of these areas are still reeling from the impact of the magnitude-7.8 earthquake last June 8 that left a trail of death and destruction in the provinces of Davao Occidental and Sarangani.