Magnitude 5.6 earthquake jolts offshore Manay, Davao Oriental

A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck offshore Manay, Davao Oriental on Tuesday morning, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

PHIVOLCS said the earthquake occurred at 10:00 am.

The earthquake was tectonic in origin, had a depth of eight kilometers, and was located 59 kilometers from Manay town, according to PHIVOLCS.

For reported intensities, PHIVOLCS said Intensity III was felt in Tarragona, Davao Oriental and Intensity II in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur.

Two magnitude 5.2 earthquakes were also recorded near Manay at 10:19 at 10:39 a.m. 

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 are 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, GMA INTEGRATED NEWS