The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology-Davao (Phivolcs-Davao) reported on Friday that as of 8 a.m., at least 790 aftershocks were recorded in New Bataan, Davao de Oro, which is the epicenter of the 6.0 magnitude earthquake that occurred on February 1, 2023.
“Starting 6:44 p.m. of Wednesday, February 1. a strong magnitude earthquake base sa information bulletin namin was posted a maximum of intensity 5 but because of the reported damages, it was increased to a level of intensity 6 sa mga areas that have some damages to buildings and houses. Most of the earthquakes recorded now are within the epicenter where the fault continues to resettle that is why we have aftershocks,” Phivolcs-Davao executive Eduardo Lauron said during Kapihan sa PIA at NCCC-Victoria on Friday.
Meanwhile, Angie Payosalan-dela Cruz, regional information officer of the Office of Civil Defense 11 (OCD 11), reported that based on their assessment with a focus on Davao de Oro and Davao del Norte, only minor damages were recorded specially in the areas near the epicenter, the town of New Bataan, as well as in Maragusan, Montevista, Nabunturan, and Compostela Valley.
“Overall we really have a good assessment, minor damages, and no casualties reported. With a focus on Davao de Oro and Davao del Norte, these are the two provinces nga heavily affected sa ating 6.0 magnitude earthquake and we are fortunate that per assessment only minor damages lang were recorded the good news is that we recorded zero casualties, although, there are several reports that there are students who fainted during the earthquake we can’t really avoid those things specially if ganon kalakas ang lindol,” she said.
Dela Cruz said that the assessment of the Regional Risk Reduction Management Council in collaboration with the Provincial Disaster Risk Management Offices (PDRMOs) in the provinces is ongoing.
“Ongoing pa ang assessment and we are still consolidating their reports on damaged infrastructure,” she added.
