Phivolcs monitors earthquake swarm offshore in Surigao del Norte

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) continues to monitor the occurrence of earthquake swarm offshore in Surigao del Norte that could lead to a bigger event.

Phivolcs said the moderately strong earthquake, measuring 5.5-magnitude, which rocked Surigao del Norte last April 26 continued to generate small- to moderate-sized tremors.

As of May 2, the Philippine seismic network has recorded 891 quakes, with magnitudes measuring 1.5 to 5.5 and originating in the same area.

Of the recorded tremors, 282 were plotted from their original source, including the 4.4-magnitude earthquake registered around

9:56 a.m. on Thursday.

Meanwhile, only four were felt from the recorded earthquakes.

Phivolcs said the earthquakes were generated by the ongoing subduction of the Philippine Sea Plate along the Philippine Trench.

At this stage, Phivolcs warned that the current earthquake activity may indicate two scenarios: one, it may continue with its present activity and eventually wane in the next few days, or two, it may culminate to a larger earthquake.

Phivolcs said it will continue to monitor the situation as earthquakes may continue to occur in the next several days.

Earlier, Science and Technology Undersecretary Renato Solidum said the trenches offshore in Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur have the capacity to generate a magnitude 8 earthquake.

“People in the area should take preparedness measures, and be guided by verified information,” Phivolcs advised.

Phivolcs will be posting regular updates in their website at phivolcs.dost. gov.ph and official media accounts.