The local government of General Luna, a town in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte province, implemented precautionary measures following the magnitude 6.0 earthquake that struck off the town’s coast Friday morning.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded the quake at 7:03 a.m. at a depth of 10 kilometers.
No tsunami warning has been issued, but local officials have taken precautionary steps to ensure the safety of residents.
Mayor Johnson Sajulga announced the suspension of classes at all levels until further notice. Inter-island travel, port operations, and all sea-related activities have also been halted as a safety precaution.
Residents living in coastal and low-lying areas are being instructed to evacuate to higher ground. Evacuation efforts are being coordinated with assistance prioritized for children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable individuals.
Work in government offices has been suspended, except for personnel involved in emergency response, healthcare, and relief operations. Private businesses have also been advised to suspend operations or adopt flexible work-from-home arrangements where possible.
Emergency response teams have been activated, including the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Municipal Health Office, the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, and barangay officials.
The public is urged to remain calm, stay alert for official advisories, and refrain from spreading unverified information. Phivolcs has warned that aftershocks are expected and that some structural damage may occur./coa/abc