7.6 magnitude quake jolts Davao Oriental
A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck Davao Oriental Friday morning, Oct. 10.
According to Phivolcs, the quake happened at 9:43 a.m. about 62 kilometers southeast of Manay, Davao Oriental. It had a depth of 10 km.
A tsunami warning was issued shortly after the quake for all coastal communities in the provinces of Davao Oriental, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Leyte, Southern Leyte and Eastern Samar, recommending immediate evacuation in these areas.
However, it was cancelled later in the day.
"Tandag Surigao Del Sur Sea level Monitoring Station for Tsunami Detection has recorded a tsunami wave height of around 30 centimeters at 10:20 a.m.," Phivolcs said. "With this, any effects due to the tsunami warning have largely passed and therefore DOST-PHIVOLCS has now cancelled all Tsunami Warnings issued for this event."
Marcos: 'Your safety is our top priority'
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos issued a statement shortly after the quake, assuring Filipinos that their safety is their top priority.
"We are now assessing the situation on the ground and ensuring that everyone is safe," he said, adding that he has ordered the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the Office of Civil Defense, the Armed Forces, the Philippine Coast Guard, and all concerned agencies "to immediately carry out evacuations in coastal areas, activate emergency communication lines, and coordinate closely with local governments."
Search, rescue, and relief operations are now being prepared, according to the President, and they will "be deployed as soon as it is safe to do so."
Marcos noted that the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Health are all set to provide assistance to those who need it.
"To our kababayans in the affected regions, please stay alert and calm. Move to higher ground and stay away from the shore until authorities declare it safe," he stressed. "Follow all instructions from your local disaster councils and barangay officials. Your safety is our top priority."
Class, work suspensions
Gov. Nelson Dayanghirang ordered the suspension of classes in all public and private institutions as well as the temporary suspension of work in public and private offices in Davao Oriental due to the quake.
In an order, he noted that the earthquake has affected various areas of the province, "posing imminent risks to life, property, and infrastructure."
The City Government of Davao announced work and class suspensions in the city until further notice in connection with the quake as well as the "expected series of aftershocks."
Private offices and establishments will decide on the possibility of work suspension and work-from-home arrangements, though they are encouraged "for the safety and convenience of their employees."
Work in government offices and classes have also been suspended in Sultan Kudarat.
"The local government deems it necessary to ensure public safety and to allow time for inspection and assessment of infrastructure before resuming normal operations," an order read.
Agusan del Sur Gov. Santi Cane Jr. has likewise ordered the suspension of classes in all public and private schools in the entire province.
"Mandatory inspections/assessment of all buildings by our engineering office is likewise ordered prior to re-occupancy of buildings within the provincial government center, including hospitals and provincial jail," he said in a Facebook post.
