Philippines: 7.4 Earthquake Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur - Flash Update No.1, As of 03 December 2023, 7 p.m. local time

Situation Overview

The magnitude 7.4 earthquake that occurred off the coast of Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur on Saturday, 2 December, 10:37 p.m. local time was caused by movements in the Philippine trench, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). The quake, initially reported by PHIVOLCS with 7.5 magnitude, was changed to 6.9, eventually to 7.4, raised a tsunami alert, which was lifted on Sunday morning, 3 December local time. Movements of the 1,320 km long Philippine trench on the Eastern seaboard of the country have generated 10 earthquakes with magnitude 7 or more in the last 100 years, with last one of 7.6 magnitude in 2012.

Since the earthquake, PHIVOLCS recorded over 660 aftershocks, ranging from magnitudes 1.4 to 6.5; which are expected to continue over the coming days.

The tsunami alert caused an immediate evacuation to higher grounds of over 26,000 people living in coastal areas of the provinces of Surigao del Sur and Davao Oriental. Most have returned home after the tsunami alert was lifted by PHIVOLCS.

According to the latest municipal government report for Hinatuan, a total of 9,728 families comprising 38,004 individuals have been affected across 19 out of 24 barangays. All roads remain passable, and no communities are currently isolated. Initial report on infrastructure damage is estimated at $197,000 (Php 9,835,000), affecting critical facilities such as the gymnasium, PAGASA Doppler, PNP Station, BFP, Public Terminal, and Public Market. Damage to houses is being assessed, with preliminary reports showing that 268 houses are partially damaged and 90 houses destroyed, amounting to an estimated cost of $900,000 (Php 44,990,000).

There are no reported casualties in Hinatuan. Those who evacuated to higher grounds have safely returned to their homes, except families with partially or totally damaged houses. These families have sought refuge with relatives, while others have found temporary shelter in elementary schools provided by the local authorities. In response to the immediate needs of the affected population, the local government is providing hot meals and medical assistance.

In the municipality of Bayabas, most people have returned home, except four families whose houses were partially or totally damaged are currently staying with relatives. Classes in municipalities of Bayabas, Hinatuan and Tandag City are suspended.

Other provinces in Mindanao have reported structural damage including the New Cortez bridge in Davao del Norte and Bolton Bridge in Davao City. All other national roads and bridges are passable and have no reported damages. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines reported minor damage in Mindanao airports Butuan, Surigao, Siargao, Tandag and Bislig. A fire broke out in Manuel J. Santos Hospital in Butuan City due to a short circuit caused by the earthquake but is now on normal operation. Other localities have reported that some homes have been partially or totally damaged.

Government response activities

The government is leading response efforts, at both the provincial and municipal levels, assessment and monitoring efforts are underway. The Government’s National Response Cluster has been activated and convened a meeting at NDRRMC Operations Center which include follow up on the effects of earthquake in Surigao del Norte. Office of Civil Defense (OCD) CARAGA (Region XIII) has activated its rapid assessment RDANA team and is waiting for initial assessments from local government units. The provincial and municipal government units are in the process of consolidating reports from their ground teams. DHSUD is requesting logistics support from OCD for its shelter grade tarpaulins to Region XIII.

National government agencies are still gathering information as to the full extent of the damage caused by the earthquake as some areas have yet to share their reports.

Humanitarian partners activities and assessments

The Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) under the leadership of the United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator (RC/HC a.i.) is closely monitoring the situation through the Mindanao Humanitarian Team.

OCHA Philippines visited today most affected municipalities, including the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office in Surigao Del Sur. CARE Philippines, ACCORD and their local partners, and WFP are on-site conducting initial assessments. The HCT stands ready to support with relief assistance if requested.

For more information, contact:

Manja Vidic, Head of Office, vidic@un.org Melissa Correa, Reporting Officer, melissa.correa@un.org