2 strong quakes rock Agusan Sur

Two earthquakes with magnitudes of 5.8 and 5.2 struck Agusan del Sur yesterday.

Both quakes occurred within the Esperanza segment of the Philippine fault, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

The epicenter of the magnitude 5.8 quake was recorded five kilometers west of Las Nieves town at 11:22 a.m.

The quake was tectonic in origin and had a depth of focus of 30 kilometers.

Phivolcs said aftershocks from the quake may occur within one week to one month. Damage is also expected, the agency said. Ground shaking due to the quake was felt at Intensity 5, which is classified as strong, in Las Nieves.

The quake was felt at Intensity 4, or moderately strong, in Libona and San Fernando in Bukidnon; Iligan and Gingoog cities; Jasaan, Magsaysay and Medina in Misamis Oriental, and Bayugan, Prosperidad and Talacogon in Agusan del Sur.

Intensity 3 was recorded in Jagna in Bohol; Baungon, Cabanglasan, Impasug-ong, Kitaotao, Malaybalay, Malitbog, Manolo Fortich, Maramag, Quezon, Talakag and Valencia in Bukidnon; El Salvador in Misamis Oriental; Mawab and Nabunturan in Davao de Oro; Digos, Davao del Sur; Davao City, and Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur.

The quake was felt at Intensity 2 in Inabanga and Loboc in Bohol; Don Carlos and Kakilangan in Bukidnon; Catarman, Guinsiliban, Mahinog, Mambajao and Sagay in Camiguin; Matanao in Davao del Sur, and Banisilan, Kidapawan, Makilala and Tulunan in Cotabato.

Intensity 1 was recorded in Magsaysay, Davao del Sur; Arakan and Kabacan in Cotabato, and Marawi in Lanao del Sur.

Meanwhile, the magnitude 5.2 quake struck three kilometers east of Esperanza at 1:21 p.m.

Phivolcs said it has yet to be determined if it was an aftershock from the magnitude 5.8 quake.

The quake was felt at Intensity 5 in Esperanza and Intensity 2 in Cagayan de Oro, Magsaysay, Gingoog and Media in Misamis Oriental.

Phivolcs said damage was also expected from the quake.