Two powerful earthquakes hit Surigao del Sur. 

The first quake occurred off Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur at around 10:37 p.m. Saturday, December 2, 2023, and felt in most parts of Mindanao and the Visayas.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) initially measured the tremor at magnitude 6.9 and was upgraded to magnitude 7.4.

The quake was located northeast of Hinatuan and had a depth of 25 kilometers.

Intensity VII was felt in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur while Intensity VI was experienced in Bislig City.

Cagayan de Oro City, Nabunturan, Davao de Oro, and Davao City felt Intensity VI.

Intensity IV was felt in Duero and Garcia Hernandez in Bohol; Mandaue City; Alangalang, Baybay City, Burauen, Dulag, Hilongos, Jaro, Javier, Julita, La Paz, Macarthur, Mahaplag, Mayorga, Palo, Pastrana, Santa Fe, Tanauan, and 

Tolosa in Leyte; Tacloban City; Anahawan, Bontoc, Hinunangan, Hinundayan, Liloan, Limasawa, Malitbog, Padre Burgos, San Francisco, San Juan, Silago, and Sogod in Southern Leyte; Alabel, and Malungon in Sarangani; Tupi, South Cotabato; and Surigao City, Surigao del Norte.

Intensity III was recorded in Tagbilaran City in Bohol; Leyte, Leyte; Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte; Molave, Zamboanga del Sur; San Fernando, Bukidnon; Kidapawan City, Cotabato; Glan, Kiamba, Maasim, and Malapatan in Sarangani; Banga, and Koronadal City in South Cotabato; General Santos City; President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat; Datu Odin Sinsuat, and Sultan Kudarat in Maguindanao; and Cotabato City.

Intensity II was recorded in Argao, Cebu; Calubian, Leyte; Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte; Santo Niño, South Cotabato; Esperanza, and Kalamansig in Sultan Kudarat while Intensity I in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.

As of December 4, 2023, the aftershocks recorded reached over 1,500.

The strongest aftershocks recorded were from magnitude 5 to magnitude 6.

Right after the magnitude 7.4 tremor occurred, a tsunami warning was issued, urging people in the coastal provinces of Surigao del Sur and Davao Oriental to evacuate and seek higher grounds.

However, Phivolcs cancelled all tsunami warnings at around 3:23 a.m. after the tsunami threat associated with the earthquake has largely passed the Philippines.

Due to the strong earthquake, several residents in affected areas fled their homes while patients in some hospitals were also taken outside for safety.

Some grocery stores and houses incurred damage while cracks were also observed in several buildings and structures.

The Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of each town, city, and province affected are assessing the damage caused by the earthquake. 

Furthermore, another strong earthquake rocked Surigao del Sur at around 3:49 a.m. on Monday, December 4, 2023.

Phivolcs measured the earthquake at magnitude 6.7 and has a depth of 10 kilometers.

It was located southeast of Cagwait town.

Intensity IV was felt in Nabunturan, Davao de Oro; City of Bislig, Surigao del Sur; and City of Surigao, Surigao del Norte.

Phivolcs said the tremor was tectonic in origin and aftershocks are expected.

As of 10:38 a.m., recorded aftershocks reached over 50. The strongest measured 5.7.