#DABulletin
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Bulletin No. 1 on the 7.2 Magnitude Earthquake
Issued at 3:00 PM, November 18, 2023
A 7.2 magnitude earthquake was recorded at 05.37°N 125.15°E – 030 km S 81° W of Sarangani. It is tectonic in origin, with a depth of focus of 10 km. Although, there is now no fear of tsunami and aftershocks, damage and losses are anticipated.
The SOCCSKARGEN Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) has raised its alert status to “RED ALERT”.
Landslides caused by the earthquake were seen and observed in the highways of Glan and Malungon of Sarangani that hampers the mobility of agricultural products to major public markets. Mobility has returned to normal as of yesterday, November 17, 2023.
Fish Landing sites in Malapatan, Sarangani have been observed with crack pavements. Additionally, a total of fifty four (54) fishing boats were reportedly damaged in General Santos City and Sarangani Province. Aside from Fisheries, there are no reported damage and losses yet in the agriculture commodities and infrastructures that could hinder the food supply system.
The DA RFO XII Building at the Prime Regional Government Center, Carpenter Hills, Koronadal City also shows traces of damage due to the earthquake.
The DA is in the process of assessing, evaluating, and continuous coordination with the concerned NGAs, LGUs, and other DRRM-related offices for the impact of the phenomenon, as well as available resources for interventions and assistance.
The DA-DRRM Operations Center will continuously provide updates regarding the 7.2 Magnitude Earthquake. For inquiries, you may contact (02) 8929-0140 / 09616965099.