On Friday, a magnitude 5.1 earthquake hit southeast of Santiago in the Agusan del Norte region of the Philippines. The quake occurred at 12:04 a.m. and was tectonic in origin, with a depth of 13 kilometers. The earthquake was felt in several areas, including Santiago, Jabonga, and the City of Cabadbaran in the Agusan del Norte region, Talacogon in the Agusan del Sur region, Lanuza in the Surigao del Sur region, and Guinsiliban in the Camiguin region. The intensity of the quake ranged from IV to I in these areas. The PHIVOLCS has warned that damage and aftershocks from the earthquake are expected.
Initially, the PHIVOLCS had reported that the earthquake occurred southwest of Madrid in Surigao del Sur with a depth of 66 kilometers. However, they later revised their statement to reflect that it was southeast of Santiago in the Agusan del Norte region with a depth of 13 kilometers. Earthquakes are common in the Philippines, which sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an area where many seismic activities occur.
In response to the earthquake, the Philippine government has ramped up efforts to improve earthquake preparedness and response. The government recently launched an earthquake resilience initiative, aimed at strengthening and promoting collective action to reduce the impact of earthquakes on communities. The initiative provides for increased public awareness of earthquake risks, review and enhancement of building codes, and improved emergency response systems.
As part of this initiative, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) intensively monitors the country’s seismic activity, aiming to reduce risks and limit damage from earthquakes. The PHIVOLCS operates 24-hour seismic monitoring centers and disaster response teams, warning communities of impending earthquakes to allow them to prepare adequately.
In the event of an earthquake, the PHIVOLCS advises people to stay calm, stay indoors until the shaking stops, and seek shelter under sturdy tables or furniture. People should avoid standing near windows or other glass objects, and stay away from power lines, trees, and other structures. After the earthquake, people should check for injuries and damage to property and use emergency kits or supplies if necessary.
In conclusion, the 5.1 magnitude earthquake that struck southeast of Santiago in the Agusan del Norte region of the Philippines early Friday morning caused tremors in several regions of the country. The Philippine government has been working to improve earthquake preparedness and response, including launching an earthquake resilience initiative and intensively monitoring the country’s seismic activity. People are advised to stay calm and follow safety protocols during and after earthquakes to limit damage and reduce risks.
