Phivolcs: Ground deformation observed in parts of Sarangani, GenSan

MANILA, June 21 ------ Ground deformation have been observed in Sarangani and General Santos City areas following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that jolted parts of Mindanao last June 8, the head of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

"Based on the aerial and ground assessment, landslides, tension cracks, road subsidence, and rockfalls were seen in several areas in Sarangani, Davao Occidental and General Santos City, Glan and Malapatan, Sarangani, portions of General Santos and T’boli Road, as well as some sections of Sarangani-Davao Occidental Coastal Road," Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol said in a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview. "Places with tension cracks might collapse, especially during heavy rains," Bacolcol said while reiterating that residents and local government units (LGUs) must be urged to relocate. Bacolcol said people from landslide-affected areas should heed the advisories from the LGUs, and be alert against new cracks or slope movement. "Be ready to evacuate when needed," he said.

The magnitude 7.8 offshore Sarangani earthquake continues to generate aftershocks. As of Monday, Phivolcs recorded 6,144 aftershocks with magnitudes ranging from 1.2 to 6.4. At least 1,473 of the aftershocks were located, and 78 were felt, according to Phivolcs.

Source: pna.gov.ph