The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-Phivolcs) allayed fears that the series of earthquakes indicate volcanic activity as it is tectonic in origin.
In a primer dated March 7, 2023, DOST-Phivolcs said the series of light to moderate magnitude earthquakes that shook Davao de Oro, which followed after a magnitude 5.9 earthquake, downgraded from magnitude 6.2, that struck the province afternoon of March 7 with epicenter in the municipality of Maragusan, sparked fear among the residents of a volcanic eruption as the nearest active volcano from the epicenter is Leonard Kniaseff Volcano.
However, DOST-Philvolcs vowed to continue its monitoring procedures for moderate to large earthquakes occurring near active volcanoes concerning any activity that may be associated with Leonard Kniaseff Volcano.
The agency reported that the highest magnitude recorded by the Philippine Seismic Network in the series of earthquakes on March 6 and 7 was felt in the municipalities of New Bataan, Maragusan, Nabunturan, Maco, and Pantukan in Davao de Oro.
Philvolcs warned the residents of aftershocks in the epicenter area and the occurrences of strong earthquakes that may continue for several days to weeks.
Aside from strong ground shaking, Phivolcs warned the public of landslides, rock falls, and other types of mass movement that may occur in mountainous or hilly areas. It also cited that liquefaction, manifested by subsidence, ground fissures, sand boils, and lateral spreads may affect low-lying, water-saturated, and sandy areas near water bodies.
Philvolcs advised affected communities and the residents to protect themselves by doing the “drop, cover, and hold” while at homes and offices, heavy furniture and appliances should be strapped to the walls, and hanging objects securely fastened to prevent these from causing injuries.
It also warned the people to be cautious of structures visibly weakened or having signs of damage caused by the series of earthquakes as these may further damage the structures and injure the building occupants.
Philvolcs also appealed to the public to avoid sharing messages from unconfirmed and unreliable sources, and only rely on information from DOST-Phivolcs and pertinent Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (DRRMOs).
Meanwhile, the earthquake that occurred on the second day of the province’s Bulawan Festival and 25th founding anniversary celebrations on March 7, caused panic and resulted in significant damage.
Rosalie Comoda, mom and provincial government employee shared her experience during the earthquake online.
“Dili nako mapugngan akong luha motulo makakita sa mga post sa eskwelahan na nag panic, nakuyapan ug nanghilak na mga studyante tungod kay na witness pod nako ganina sa school sa akong anak. Kasakit as mama na makita ang mga bata na traumatized. Pag kusog sa linog una naisip “akong anak!” naa sa 4th floor tapos bag-o pa naayo gikan nasakit. Gusto kung molupad para maabot dayon kay akong nadungog sa phone puro syagit sa classmates sa akong anak pero kailangan ko mag kalma kay sa phone ako siyang gina ingnan ayaw sabay sa dagan kay basig maabtan ka sa hugmak sa hagdan or matunob tunoban ka… tago lang ayaw panic pag ampo,” she posted.
She said she didn’t mind the mud and rain going to the school to fetch her daughter.
“Samot akong kakulba nakasugat ug grupo sa students na naay gitabangan ug alsa kay nakuyapan, sa isip nako Ginoo ko akong anak bag-o ra to nakuyapan baya. Nakita nako akong anak naa sa daghang tapok na studyante walay dalang payong tapos ulan. Iyang mga gamit naa daw sa taas. Ako na ang nagkuha sa gamit ug mura kog gikumot nakita ang classroom nila na nagkalat ang bangko ug mga notebook. Nagsulat diay sila pag linog gibiyaan na lang pati bag,” she said.
Various online posts also showed some residents in Nabunturan spent the night outside their homes for safety as tremors from the previous earthquakes were still being felt on the night of March 7.
Following the magnitude 5.9 earthquake, patients and watchers of the Davao de Oro Provincial Hospital were evacuated.
Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga also declared the suspension of work and classes in the entire province.
