Aftershock shakes parts of Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines — An aftershock generated by the magnitude-5.4 earthquake that hit the municipality of Wao in Lanao del Sur on Sunday shook parts of Mindanao yesterday.

The magnitude-3.9 aftershock occurred at 4:59 a.m. and did not cause any damage, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

Its epicenter was located eight kilometers southwest of Wao and was felt at Intensity 2 in the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Cotabato.

Reports said the magnitude-5.4 quake injured five persons and damaged several structures including mosques, school buildings and churches.

At least 22 barangays were affected by the quake.

Join quake drill, public urged

Meanwhile, Phivolcs director Renato Solidum urged the public to participate in the nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill today.

The drill was originally scheduled on Sept. 21, but was cancelled after President Duterte declared it as a national day of protest, to mark the 45th anniversary of the martial law declaration.

Earthquake drills are important and should be taken seriously, Solidum said.

Phivolcs has been urging residents of Metro Manila and nearby provinces to prepare for the “Big One,” or a magnitude-7.2 earthquake to be generated by the West Valley Fault.