Three strong earthquakes recorded in Davao Oriental on Tuesday

Three strong earthquakes with magnitudes up to 5.6 were recorded in offshore Manay, Davao Oriental on Tuesday morning, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said.

The first earthquake was a magnitude 5.6 earthquake near Manay town.

Then at 10:19 a.m., a magnitude 4.7 earthquake hit offshore Manay. Initially, this earthquake was reported as magnitude 5.2.

This was followed by another magnitude 5.2 earthquake at 10:39 a.m. 

The earthquake was tectonic in origin, had a depth of focus of 10 kilometers, and was located 25 kilometers from Manay town.

For instrumental intensities, PHIVOLCS said Intensity II was felt in Nabunturan, Davao de Oro.

The number of aftershocks continues to increase following the magnitude 7.4 and 6.8 doublet earthquakes in offshore Manay last October 10. 

As of 8 a.m., PHIVOLCS has recorded a total of 1,281 aftershocks. Of which, 15 were felt. The strength of the aftershocks ranged from magnitude 1.2 to 5.8. 

PHIVOLCS chief Dr. Teresito Bacolcol earlier advised affected residents to consult first with experts before returning to their homes as a safety precaution.

“If there are visible damages sa mga istruktura kung saan sila nakatira, huwag muna silang pumasok,” he said.

(If there is visible damage to the structures where they live, they should not go inside.)

“They have to consult their municipal or city engineers kasi kung hindi man ito totally na-damage during the main shock, baka ma-damage ito totally during a strong aftershock,” he added.

(They have to consult their municipal or city engineers because if it wasn't totally damaged during the main shock, it could be totally damaged during a strong aftershock.)

The reported death toll in the earthquake is eight, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Tuesday. 

A total of 2,575 houses were damaged—2,231 partially and 344 totally. —VAL/AOL, GMA Integrated News