APD | Magnitude 5.5 earthquake rocks southern Philippines

By APD writerMelo M. Acuña

MANILA, July 13 (APD) – A fairly strong earthquake woke residents from deep sleep at 4:42 A.M. today.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the tremblor was of tectonic origin. The epicenter was traced at Carrascal town in Surigao del Sur. In its statement released early Saturday morning, PHIVOLCS said they expect reports of damages and aftershocks.

The earthquake had a depth of five kilometers which is considered “shallow” and may cause severe damage to public and private properties.

The earthquake was felt in Surigao City and as far as Cagayan de Oro and Cebu cities as well as Borongan town in Eastern Samar.

Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions often occur in the Philippines being part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. No casualties or injuries have been reported as of this writing.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)