Southern Leyte Shaken by 5.8 Magnitude Earthquake: Aftershocks and Seismic Hazards Loom
At 7:39 AM on January 23, 2025, a moderate-sized earthquake with a magnitude of 5.8 struck Southern Leyte, sending tremors across the province and its neighboring regions. The epicenter was located 6 kilometers southeast of San Francisco, southern Leyte, at a depth of 11 kilometers. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the quake was caused by the movement of a local active fault in the area.
As of 1:30 PM on the same day,PHIVOLCS recorded 73 aftershocks,ranging from magnitudes 1.6 to 2.9. The highest reported intensity was PEIS VI (Vrey Strong) in San Francisco, Southern Leyte. At this intensity, “many peopel are frightened, and many run outdoors. Some people lose their balance. Motorists feel like driving with flat tires,” as described by PHIVOLCS. The shaking caused minor damage to poorly built structures, while well-built ones remained unaffected.
Past Context: Southern Leyte’s Seismic Vulnerability
Table of Contents
- Past Context: Southern Leyte’s Seismic Vulnerability
- What Lies Ahead: Aftershocks and Seismic Hazards
- No Tsunami Threat,But Vigilance Remains
- volcanic Activity Unrelated to the Quake
- Key Takeaways
- Safety Measures for Affected Communities
- DOST-PHIVOLCS’ Role in Earthquake Monitoring
- How to Stay Informed
- Earthquake Magnitude Classification
- Call to Action
- Interview with DOST-PHIVOLCS Representative on the Southern Leyte Earthquake
Southern Leyte is no stranger to earthquakes. Historical records from PHIVOLCS reveal that at least six notable earthquakes, ranging from magnitudes 5.9 to 6.7, have struck the region between 1917 and 2017. Notable events include the 1973 M 6.3, 1977 M 6.4,1994 M 6.2,and 2017 M 6.7 earthquakes. These events underscore the area’s high seismicity, driven by the presence of the Philippine Fault and its segments, as well as local faults buried under recent deposits.
What Lies Ahead: Aftershocks and Seismic Hazards
PHIVOLCS warns that light to moderate aftershocks could persist for days or even months. These tremors may also be felt in nearby provinces. Beyond ground shaking, the region faces additional seismic hazards, including earthquake-induced landslides, rockfalls, and liquefaction.Low-lying, water-saturated areas near water bodies are particularly vulnerable to liquefaction, which can cause ground fissures, sand boils, and structural damage.
No Tsunami Threat,But Vigilance Remains
Despite the offshore epicenter,PHIVOLCS confirmed that no tsunami warning was issued.The absence of significant vertical seafloor displacement ruled out the possibility of destructive tsunami waves. Though, localized sea-level disturbances may occur due to extreme ground shaking along coastal areas.
The earthquake is tectonic in origin and not linked to volcanic activity. PHIVOLCS continues to monitor seismic events near active volcanoes, though the nearest one remains unaffected.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Magnitude | 5.8 |
| Epicenter | 6 km southeast of San Francisco, Southern Leyte |
| Depth | 11 kilometers |
| Aftershocks | 73 recorded, ranging from 1.6 to 2.9 |
| Highest Intensity | PEIS VI (Very Strong) in San Francisco |
| Seismic Hazards | Landslides, rockfalls, liquefaction |
| Tsunami Threat | None |
| Volcanic Activity | Unrelated |
Residents are urged to remain vigilant and prepare for potential aftershocks. for real-time updates, visit the PHIVOLCS website or follow local news outlets like ABS-CBN.
Stay safe, stay informed.Southern Leyte on Alert: DOST-PHIVOLCS Deploys Quick Response Team Following Magnitude 5.8 Earthquake
Residents of San Francisco, southern Leyte, are urged to remain vigilant after a magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck near Cabalian Volcano, located approximately 25 kilometers north of the town. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) has deployed a Quick Response Team (QRT) to assess geologic impacts and conduct data campaigns to ease public concerns.
The earthquake,classified as moderate,has prompted authorities to issue safety guidelines for affected communities. “communities should be prepared for aftershocks,” DOST-PHIVOLCS emphasized. In the event of a strongly felt tremor, residents are advised to follow the “duck/drop, cover, and hold” protocol to protect themselves.
Safety Measures for Affected Communities
DOST-PHIVOLCS has outlined critical steps for residents to minimize risks:
- Building Inspections: Structures visibly weakened or damaged by the earthquake should be inspected by the Municipal/City Engineering Office. Civil engineers are urged to assess structural integrity and recommend necessary actions. “Structurally compromised buildings should not be reoccupied until certified safe by structural engineers,” the agency warned.
- Landslide Preparedness: Mountain and hill slopes should be checked for tension cracks,which increase landslide risks during heavy rainfall or aftershocks. residents are advised to avoid landslide-prone areas.
- Rumor Control: The public is encouraged to rely on verified information from DOST-PHIVOLCS and local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (DRRMOs) to avoid panic caused by unverified rumors.
DOST-PHIVOLCS’ Role in Earthquake Monitoring
DOST-PHIVOLCS operates a robust network of 121 seismic stations across the Philippines. The closest stations to San Francisco, Southern Leyte, include staff-controlled stations in Palo (Leyte), Surigao City (Surigao del Norte), Tagbilaran City (bohol), and Lapu-Lapu City (Cebu).Satellite-telemetered stations in Maasin City (Southern Leyte), Ormoc City (Leyte), Borongan City (Eastern samar), Loreto (Dinagat Island), Garcia Hernandez, Talibon (Bohol), and san Francisco (Cebu) also provide critical data.
The agency’s QRT will work alongside other government agencies to mitigate the earthquake’s damaging effects. “DOST-PHIVOLCS works hand-in-hand with other government agencies in mitigating the damaging effects of earthquakes,” the agency stated.
How to Stay Informed
For real-time updates,residents can visit the DOST-PHIVOLCS website,follow their Facebook page,or check their X (formerly Twitter) account. Earthquake observations can also be reported via telephone at (02) 8929-9254 and (02) 8426-1468 to 79, local 307 and 308, or thru direct messages on their Facebook page.
Earthquake Magnitude Classification
DOST-PHIVOLCS classifies earthquakes as follows:
| Magnitude Range | Classification |
|—————–|———————-|
| M3 to 3.9 | Minor |
| M4 to 4.9 | Light |
| M5 to 5.9 | Moderate |
| M6 to 6.9 | Strong |
| M7 to 7.9 | Major |
| M8.0 and above | Great |
Call to Action
Residents are encouraged to download the official DOST-PHIVOLCS advisory for Southern Leyte for detailed safety guidelines and updates. Stay informed, stay prepared, and rely only on verified sources to ensure your safety.
For more information,visit DOST-PHIVOLCS or follow them on Facebook and X.
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This article is based on official information from DOST-PHIVOLCS. For further details, download the full advisory here.
Interview with DOST-PHIVOLCS Representative on the Southern Leyte Earthquake
Editor: Can you provide an overview of the recent earthquake in Southern Leyte and its impact on the region?
DOST-PHIVOLCS Representative: Certainly. A magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck near Cabalian Volcano, approximately 25 kilometers north of San Francisco, southern Leyte. The earthquake, classified as moderate, has prompted us to deploy a Fast Response Team (QRT) to assess geologic impacts and conduct data campaigns. While there is no tsunami threat, residents are urged to remain vigilant for potential aftershocks.
Editor: What safety measures should residents take in the aftermath of this earthquake?
DOST-PHIVOLCS Representative: Residents should follow the “duck/drop, cover, and hold” protocol during aftershocks. Additionally,we recommend:
- Building Inspections: Structures visibly weakened or damaged should be inspected by the Municipal/City Engineering Office. Structurally compromised buildings should not be reoccupied until certified safe by structural engineers.
- Landslide Preparedness: Mountain and hill slopes should be checked for tension cracks, especially during heavy rainfall or aftershocks.Residents should avoid landslide-prone areas.
- Rumor Control: We encourage the public to rely on verified information from DOST-PHIVOLCS and local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (DRRMOs) to avoid panic caused by unverified rumors.
Editor: How does DOST-PHIVOLCS monitor earthquakes, and what role does your agency play in mitigating their effects?
DOST-PHIVOLCS Representative: We operate a robust network of 121 seismic stations across the Philippines. The closest stations to San Francisco include those in Palo (Leyte), Surigao City (Surigao del Norte), Tagbilaran City (Bohol), and Lapu-Lapu City (Cebu). Our QRT works alongside other government agencies to mitigate the damaging effects of earthquakes, ensuring public safety through timely data collection and dissemination.
Editor: How can residents stay informed about earthquake updates and safety guidelines?
DOST-PHIVOLCS Representative: Residents can visit the DOST-PHIVOLCS website, follow our Facebook page,or check our X (formerly Twitter) account for real-time updates.Earthquake observations can also be reported via telephone at (02) 8929-9254 and (02) 8426-1468 to 79, local 307 and 308, or through direct messages on our Facebook page.
Editor: How does DOST-PHIVOLCS classify earthquake magnitudes, and what does this classification mean for residents?
DOST-PHIVOLCS Representative: We classify earthquakes as follows:
| Magnitude Range | Classification |
|---|---|
| M3 to 3.9 | Minor |
| M4 to 4.9 | light |
| M5 to 5.9 | Moderate |
| M6 to 6.9 | Strong |
| M7 to 7.9 | Major |
| M8.0 and above | Great |
This classification helps residents understand the potential impact of an earthquake and take appropriate safety measures.
Editor: What final message would you like to share with the residents of Southern Leyte?
DOST-PHIVOLCS representative: We urge residents to stay informed, stay prepared, and rely only on verified sources for updates. Download the official DOST-PHIVOLCS advisory for detailed safety guidelines. Your safety is our priority, and we are here to support you through this challenging time.
Conclusion
the recent magnitude 5.8 earthquake in Southern leyte has prompted DOST-PHIVOLCS to deploy a Quick Response Team and issue critical safety guidelines. Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant, follow safety protocols, and rely on verified information from official sources.By working together,we can ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in the affected communities.
