A magnitude 6.1 earthquake jolted Surigao Del Norte, Philippines on July 3, 2015 at 2:43 p.m. Its epicenter was located 41 kilometers northeast of Burgos, Surigao del Sur, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).
Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) reported that the Numancia Central Elementary School's flooring cracked and ceilings were damaged in Burgos, Siargao Island. Although, reports say that there has been damages in the city of Surigao, there were no reported injuries and accidents. "No injuries and casualties recorded. Thank God for sparing us from this 6.1 magnitude earthquake. Our people were rattled due to the strong shake," Sol F. Matugas, Governor of Surigao del Norte, according to Manila Bulletin.
Despite the minor damages, Surigaonons and other citizens are still on the lookout for the aftershocks. The PDRRMC staff are "closely monitoring the physical ground verification from deployed rescue teams and engineers on the strength of minor damage as of press time," as quoted by Manila Bulletin.
Here are the intensity levels felt in Surigao and in its neighboring islands:
Intensity II was felt by the citizens of Bislig and Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, and Tacloban, Leyte. Intensity III was felt in Lapu-Lapu, Cebu and Palo and San Juan, Leyte. Intensity IV was felt in Dinagat Island, Leyte. Intensity V was felt in Carrascal, Surigao del Sur; Siargao Island; Surigao City, Surigao; and Talacogon, Agusan del Sur.
The intensity scale of the earthquake was level V and considered "Strong". "Intensity V" is, "Felt by most people indoors and outdoors. Many sleeping people are awakened. Some are frightened, some run outdoors. Strong shaking and rocking felt throughout building. Hanging objects swing violently. Dining utensils clatter and clink; some are broken. Small, light and unstable objects may fall or overturn. Liquids spill from filled open containers. Standing vehicles rock noticeably. Shaking of leaves and twigs of trees are noticeable," according to Phivolcs Earthquake Intensity Scale.
Robert Tiglao, PHIVOLCS Science Research Specialist, reported how the tectonic earthquake had a depth of 30 kilometers, but is incapable of generating a tsunami, according to CNN.
