The Manila Times

Evacuate, Phivolcs tells residents near coastal areas

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Monday recommended the immediate evacuation on residents living near coastal areas following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Sarangani. “The people in the coastal areas in the provinces of Sarangani, Davao Occidental, Tawi-tawi, Sulu, Basilan, Zamboanga Del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato have been strongly advised to immediately evacuate to higher grounds or move farther inland,” Phivolcs director Teresito Bacolcol said. He said aftershocks and damage to infrastructure were possible. Reports showed that Intensity 7 was felt in General Santos City while Intensity 6 shook Palimbang and Senator Ninoy Aquino in Sultan Kudarat, Phivolcs said Intensity 5 was felt in Davao City; City of Kidapawan, and Carmen, Cotabato; Bagumbayan, Kalamansig, and President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat; and Sibuco, and Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte while Intensity 4 in City of Mati, Davao Oriental; Buag, Zamboanga Sibugay; and Caraga, Manay, and Tarragona, Davao Oriental. Meanwhile, Instrumental Intensity 8 was recorded in Malapatan, Sarangani while Intensity 7 was felt in City of Koronadal, South Cotabato; and Santa Maria, Davao Occidental and Intensity 6 over General Santos City; and T'boli, South Cotabato.