At Least 6 Dead After 6.7-Magitude Earthquake Rocks Surigao City

The powerful earthquake that struck Surigao City evening of February 10, 2017 has snatched the life of six individuals identified as Robert Eludo, Jr., JM Ariar, Lito Wilson, Lorenzo Deguino, Roda Justina Taganahan and Wenefreda Aragon Bernal who had experienced blunt trauma, heart attack and was hit by a collapsed wall as causes of their death. A total of 108 individuals were also injured in Surigao City, Surigao del Norte.

The quake, which the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said hit at a depth of four kilometers, was initially determined to be at 9.83 degrees north latitude and 125.37 degrees east latitude. Maximum shaking was Intensity VI in Surigao City and Pintuyan, Southern Leyte. Intensity V in Mandaue City; San Ricardo, Limasawa and San Francisco, Southern Leyte.

Intensity IV in Hinunangan, Southern Leyte and Butuan City. Intensity III in Hibok-hibok, Camiguin, Tolosa and Tacloban, Leyte; Bislig City; and Gingoog City. Intensity II in Cagayan de Oro City; Talacogon, Agusan del Sur; Dumaguete City; and Davao City.

However, per info from Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, there is no tsunami warning, advisory, watch, or threat in effect. Since yesterday evening, Surigao City is experiencing unexpected power outage after a strong tremor that lasted about 5-7 seconds. Aftershocks were also felt, an hour after the earthquake hit.

The quake caused a fair bit of panic in Surigao City. There were cars, motorcycles and tricycles lined up trying to get to higher ground. Some residents living in coastal areas sought refuge at the Provincial Convention Center and capitol grounds.

Meanwhile, the Anao-aon Steel Bridge in the municipality of San Francisco, Surigao del Norte has collapsed and is not passable while some roads are partly damaged. Surigao City and municipalities of Malimono, Sison, San Francisco, Mainit and Taganaan, all in the province of Surigao del Norte are now on blackout.

Also, Malico and Kinabutan Bridges along Maharlika Highway in Brgy, Rizal, Surigao City are only passable to light vehicles due to some cracks on the road pavement. Bridges along the national highway going to Lipata also suffered serious cracks. Lipata Ferry Terminal is temporarily closed.

Thus, all vehicles in and out of Lipata Ferry Terminal are diverted to Surigao City Port. Due to the extent of damages at the Surigao City’s airport runway, Surigao City Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) officer-in-charge Engr. Junelito Abrazado declared this morning suspension of all flights in Surigao City.

The Surigao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) with Special Rescue Unit of Bureau of Fire and Protection, 30th IB, Phil. Army and Surigao City Incident Management Team conducted search and rescue operations in Brgy. Poctoy, Surigao City. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)