TWO earthquakes rocked parts of the Visayas and Mindanao on Thursday, January 23, prompting safety measures in Cebu City, including class suspensions and structural assessments.

The first earthquake, a magnitude 5.9, struck Southern Leyte at 7:39 a.m., with the epicenter located 7 kilometers south and 29° east of San Francisco town at a depth of 10 kilometers, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

Instrumental Intensity V was recorded in Padre Burgos, while Intensity IV was observed in Maasin and Hinunangan.

The state-run Cebu Normal University (CNU) announced the suspension of classes at all levels to prioritize safety.

The university made the announcement on its official Facebook page after reports of the quake’s impact in nearby areas.

In Cebu City, the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO) dispatched Quick Response Teams (QRTs) to inspect public schools for possible structural damage.

CCDRRMO head Aderson Comar and Assistant Department Head Lyntoni Alburo said the inspections aim to ensure the safety of students and staff by addressing potential risks.

Findings will be submitted to the Office of the Building Official (OBO) for further review.

Later in the day, a magnitude 6.1 earthquake hit Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte, at 11:41 a.m. The tremor, with a depth of 32 kilometers, had its epicenter 2 kilometers south and 8° east of Siocon.

Instrumental Intensity IV was reported in Zamboanga City.

Authorities in Cebu City and the affected regions are closely monitoring for aftershocks while continuing inspections. No casualties or significant damage were reported as of this writing.(MyTVCebu)

• Tags
• #Earthquakes
• #Visayas
• #Southern Leyte
• #Phivolcs
• #Cebu Normal University
• #Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office
• #Zamboanga del Norte
• #Class Suspension