5.9 magnitude quake jolts Surigao

By Fryan E. Abkilan

Friday 16th of March 2012

SURIGAO CITY, Mar. 16 (PIA) -- A 5.9-magnitude earthquake epicentered two kilometers southwest of Dinagat Islands struck at 3:58pm today, according to a bulletin released by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

Phivolcs also reported that the quake was tectonic in origin and the possibility of damage and aftershocks are also expected.

The bulletin showed that the quake was felt at Intensity VI in Surigao City, Intensity V in General Luna, Surigao del Norte; Basilisa, Dinagat; San Ricardo, Southern Leyte; Intensity IV in Carrascal, Surigao del Sur; Intensity III in Tolosa and Tacloban Leyte; Davao City; Bislig City; Borongan, Oras, Dolores, Eastern Samar; Intensity II in Cebu City; Sulat, Eastern Samar; and Intensity I in Hibok-Hibok, Camiguin.

Brgy. Captain Alfredo Dacuron of Brgy. Luna, in a radio interview, said widespread panic was reported during the grand opening of Gaisano Capital Surigao in the barangay, injuring more than 20 shoppers rushing out of the mall. Dacuron said the injured shoppers were immediately brought at the Caraga Regional Hospital.

In a radio interview also, First District Rep. Francisco Matugas said the provincial gymnasium’s beam was reportedly damaged that caused injury to three people attending an event.

As of this posting, no casualty has been reported but rescuers are still scouring the areas affected. (FEA/PIA-Surigao del Norte)