M 5.7 Earthquake in the Philippines

Situation overview

Information from the OCHA-Philippines office:

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that an earthquake of magnitude 5.9 occurred at a depth of 13 km near San Francisco municipality, Surigao del Norte province, northeastern Mindanao on 5 March, 8:08 a.m. local time. San Francisco has a population of 14,552 people according to the 2015 census.

An intensity VI ("very strong") was felt in Surigao City, the provincial capital (total population of 154,137 people), on the 10-level PHIVOLCS intensity scale. Intensity IV ("moderately strong") was felt in Limasawa and San Ricardo municipalities in Southern Leyte province, intensity III ("weak") in San Juan and San Francisco municipalities also in Southern Leyte, and intensity II ("slightly felt") in General Luna municipality in Surigao del Norte.

There are no reports of casualties or damage so far, according to the Office of Civil Defense Caraga. Local authorities are assessing the situation.

PHIVOLCS considers this as an aftershock of the 6.7-magnitude earthquake that struck near Surigao City on 10 February and destroyed the Anao-Aon bridge that connects San Francisco to Surigao City. This aftershock may collapse buildings that were cracked by the 10 February earthquake.

As of 3 March, more than 7,800 people remain displaced by the 10 February tremors, most of whom are staying in open areas near their homes or with relatives or friends, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Of the displaced, 5,640 people are in Surigao City, 1,800 people in Sison municipality, and another 155 people are in San Francisco.

OCHA is in touch with national and local authorities to inquire about the impact of the latest aftershock.

Status of request for assistance