STRONG QUAKE. Products are strewn on the floor of a grocery store in Montevista town, Davao de Oro, following a magnitude 6 earthquake that struck the province at around 6:44 p.m. Wednesday (Feb. 1, 2023). The quake's epicenter was in neighboring New Bataan town. (Photo courtesy of Sanchai Alfornon)
DAVAO CITY – Two Davao Region provinces have declared suspension of classes and work on government offices on Thursday following the magnitude 6 earthquake Wednesday evening.
Amid ongoing damage assessment, Davao de Oro Governor Dorothy Gonzaga and Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib immediately issued memorandums for class and work suspensions.
In a Facebook post, Gonzaga said classes and government work were suspended to check the integrity of the structures in schools and offices.
“We will check for damages brought by the earthquake. Take care for possible aftershocks,” she warned.
Meanwhile, Jubahib issued the suspension order to give way for the conduct of safety inspections of all school buildings as part of the precautionary measures and standard safety protocol.
The magnitude 6 earthquake struck 12 kilometers northeast of the municipality of New Bataan at 6:44 p.m. It had a depth of 27 kilometers.
Intensity V was felt in New Bataan, Davao de Oro; intensity IV in the cities of Davao and Bislig, Surigao del Sur.
Intensity III was reported in Damulog, Kadingilan, Kalilangan, Libona, Pangantucan, and Talakag, all in Bukidnon; Cagayan de Oro City; Cagwait and Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur. (PNA)
