6.7 Magnitude earthquake hits Southern Philippines

Friday, 10th February, by Florence Joy Maluyo, WV Philippines 

Philippines – A 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck the city of Surigao in the southern part of the country at around 10 p.m.

The epicenter of the quake, which was tectonic in origin, was located 14 km away from Surigao City. The effect of the earthquake was felt at Intensity VI in the said city.

The earthquake was also strongly felt in neighboring regions of Leyte, Southern Leyte and Northern Mindanao.

Accounts of aftershocks were also being felt within the affected areas. According to Phivolcs, more aftershocks can be expected.

According to reports from the ground, the city and other nearby towns are currently experiencing a total blackout and many families are on the streets as they stay away from their houses, fearing for more aftershocks. A bridge is also reported to be damaged and impassable.

Arnel Alipao, a World Vision advocate and former sponsored child born in Surigao but is now based in Agusan (about 200 km away from the epicenter), shared that his family is in Surigao City when the earthquake struck. “They reported to me that the earthquake has left some damages. Some people are evacuating since some residential building walls collapsed,” he said.

World Vision Development Foundation, Inc., a development and humanitarian organization, closely monitors and coordinates with local and national authorities to determine the full extent of impact caused by the quake.

The organization is currently responding to a massive flooding disaster in Agusan del Sur province which is 251 km away from Surigao City. The response has already reached 1,700 families through water purification kits and other non-food items.

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