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Philippines: Earthquakes - Feb 2017

Status
Past
Countries
Philippines
Disaster types
Earthquake

At 10:03 p.m. on 10 February 2017, a 6.7-magnitude earthquake with a depth of ten kilometres and an epicenter located near Surigao City caused loss of lives and damage to properties in the Caraga region, particularly in Surigao del Norte province. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported no tsunami threat but they predict aftershocks will continue for several weeks. A Red Alert status has been raised by Caraga Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Operation Center. Surigao City declared state of calamity. (OCHA, 15 Feb 2017)

Based on updates issued by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), eight people lost their lives as a result of the earthquake, with 202 injured. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has reported that 3,331 families (16,655 people) have been displaced and are currently staying in open areas near their homes, in tents or with host families. Many residents, including those whose houses were not damaged, are apprehensive about returning to their homes because of aftershocks. (IFRC, 16 Feb 2017)

As of 24 February, a total of 6,472 families, or 32,360 persons, were affected in 82 barangays in the province of Surigao del Norte. A total of 6,398 houses in Surigao del Norte were damaged, including 518 that were totally damaged. (Govt. Philippines, 24 Feb 2017)

As of 2 March, over 7,800 people remain displaced by the earthquake. Most of them are staying in open areas near their homes, or with relatives or friends. There were eight reported deaths, three of which were children and two senior citizens, and 202 injuries. Over 7,200 houses are reported to be damaged, of which 518 were destroyed. About 81 per cent of the damage is located in Surigao City and the neighboring town of San Francisco. (OCHA, 2 Mar 2017)

On 5 March, a 5.9 magnitude tremor struck at a depth of 13 km near San Francisco municipality (population 14,500 people), Surigao del Norte province. One death was reported and local authorities are assessing the situation. This was reported as an aftershock of the 6.7 magnitude earthquake which struck Surigao del Norte on 10 February. As of 3 March, more than 7,800 people remain displaced following the larger earthquake, with most staying in open areas near their homes or with relatives or friends. (OCHA, 6 Mar 2017)

As of 11 March, the earthquakes had affected a total of 10,691 families, or 53,455 people, in 82 barangays in the Province of Surigao del Norte. Eight people were reported dead and 249 people sustained injuries due to the initial 6.7-magnitude earthquake as well as the 5 March earthquake. (Govt. Philippines, 11 Mar 2017)