DepEd: No reported school damage after Surigao del Norte earthquake

School buildings did not appear to be damaged by the magnitude-6.0 earthquake that hit General Luna, Surigao del Norte, the Department of Education (DepEd) said on Friday morning.

In a 10 a.m. bulletin, the DepEd said there were "no reported damages to schools" in Visayas and Mindanao areas that were assessed for impact due to the quake.

"Predictive analysis presents 6,082 schools in 17 Divisions that may be potentially at risk to the ground shaking event," the DepEd said.

"No damage has been reported as of this time," the bulletin read, issued about three hours after the earthquake struck 13 kms from General Luna town at 7:03 a.m. 

The incident prompted class suspensions in several towns as a precautionary measure.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the earthquake was tectonic in origin and had a depth of focus of 28 kms. 

The DepEd emphasized the importance of earthquake preparedness and urged all education stakeholders to "remain alert and vigilant."

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) recorded Intensity V shaking in several areas of Surigao del Norte, including General Luna, Claver, Pilar, and Socorro, as well as in Dinagat Islands. Intensity IV was felt in the City of Butuan and other surrounding provinces. PHIVOLCS warned that aftershocks are expected.

Following the earthquake, the local government of General Luna suspended classes and work, evacuated residents in coastal and low-lying areas, and halted inter-island travel and sea-related activities. 

Emergency response units, including the MDRRMO, PNP, BFP, and health services, were activated to assist residents. — Sherylin Untalan/ VDV, GMA Integrated News