Magnitude 7.8 earthquake affects Sarangani and Davao Occidental shorelines

The magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck parts of Mindanao on June 8 has affected the shorelines of some areas of Sarangani and Davao Occidental, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said.

Based on an aerial survey conducted by PHIVOLCS and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) XII on June 11, it was found out that the land rose along the coastline in some barangays in Glan, Sarangani and in the southern part of Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental. PHIVOLCS referred to this as seismic coastal uplift.

Landslides were also seen in the same areas mentioned.

PHIVOLCS and MGB personnel also observed that corals which were previously underwater were exposed on the shore as could be seen in photos taken in Barangay Pangyan in Glan, Sarangani.

Initial observation also showed that the coastal uplift in the area was more or less 2 meters, while the shoreline moved back by more or less 200 meters.

The magnitude 7.8 earthquake hit offshore Maasim, Sarangani at 7:37 a.m. on June 8.

Intensity VII was felt in General Santos City.

PHIVOLCS said tsunami waves were reported in Maasim and Kiamba in Sarangani, Kalamansig in Sultan Kudarat, Mati City in Davao Oriental, Zamboanga City, and Tandag City in Surigao del Sur.

The reported death toll due to the earthquake increased to 55, according to the Office of Civil Defense on Friday.

Almost 4,000 aftershocks were recorded by PHIVOLCS as of Friday. —KG, GMA News