Sultan Kudarat suspends classes, work due to 5.3 magnitude quake

SULTAN Kudarat Gov. Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu issued Executive Order 94 on Wednesday morning suspending all classes and work in public and private institutions due to the 5.1 magnitude earthquake.Philvocs recorded the quake 47 kilometers southwest of the coastal town of Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat with a depth of 15 kilometers at 9:33 am on Wednesday, Jan. 21.The quake was tectonic in origin and Philvocs also recorded several aftershocks.“Due to the series of earthquakes and possible aftershocks experienced in the Province of Sultan Kudarat, work and classes at all levels, in both public and private institutions, are hereby suspended until further notice to ensure the safety of everyone,” the advisory stated.The suspension is effective immediately until further notice.“Residents are strongly advised to remain alert, avoid staying in damaged or potentially unstable structures, and prepare for possible aftershocks,” it said.According to the Earthquake Information No. 2, intensity II was recorded in Tupi, Tboli, Surallah, and Santo Niño, South Cotabato and; Kiamba, Sarangani.Intensity I was recorded in Tantangan and Banga, South Cotabato; and City of General Santos.Meanwhile, instrumental intensity IV was recorded in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat; and Intensity III in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat. At Intensity II were General Santos; Maitum and Kiamba, Sarangani; Surallah, Santo Niño, Tupi, Norala, and T’Boli, South Cotabato; Esperanza and Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.Intensity I were recorded in M’lang, Cotabato; City of Digos, Davao del Sur; Malungon, Maasim, and Alabel, Sarangani; City of Koronadal, Banga, and Tantangan, South Cotabato; Columbio, Sultan Kudarat.Sultan Kudarat was also shaken by a 3 a.m. quake on Monday, Jan. 20 which was reported at Magnitude 5.3 but corrected to 5.2.