Magnitude-5.3 quake jolts Davao de Oro

MANILA, Philippines — A magnitude-5.3 earthquake jolted Davao de Oro yesterday morning, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

Hours earlier, a magnitude-4.9 quake also struck the province.

The magnitude-5.3 quake occurred at 4:43 a.m., and its epicenter was located in the town of New Bataan, Davao de Oro, state seismologists said.

It was felt at Intensity 4 in New Bataan, Maco and Mawab; Intensity 3 in Nabunturan; Intensity 2 in Laak, Davao de Oro, and Intensity 1 in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur.

Phivolcs said Instrumental Intensity 4 was felt in Nabunturan, Davao de Oro and Instrumental Intensity 2 was recorded in Davao City, Davao del Sur.

State seismologists said the quake was expected to cause damage to property.

The public has been advised to prepare for aftershocks.

The first quake occurred at 12:49 a.m., also in Davao de Oro.

The temblors caused the Maragusan-New Bataan road in Barangay Shadol in Maragusan town to collapse, according to the municipal government.

Motorists were advised to use alternative routes or take extra caution when they need to pass through the road.

Gov. Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga suspended classes in all levels, both in private and public schools, as authorities are assessing the structural integrity of the road.

Teaching and non-teaching personnel were not required to report to school, except those who are in charge of assisting in assessing the structural integrity of school buildings in different local government units (LGUs).

Gonzaga said all government agencies in Davao de Oro must ensure the safety of their personnel and encouraged to conduct structural integrity assessments with the LGUs.