A magnitude (Mw) 6.0 earthquake struck the province of Davao de Oro and its vicinity on 01 February 2023, at 06:44 PM Philippine Standard Time (PST). The epicenter is located at 07.66°N, 126.07°E – 2 km S 66° W of Compostela (Davao De Oro) with a focal depth of 17 kilometers. Ground shaking was felt at Davao de Oro at PHIVOLCS Earthquake Intensity Scale (PEIS) VI (Very strong), to as far as Inabanga, Bohol at PEIS I (Scarcely Perceptible). Based on the epicenter location, focal mechanism and actual field observations, the earthquake was generated by the Central Compostela Valley Segment of the Philippine Fault. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that the earthquake caused 16 injured persons, and damaged 539 houses while estimated damage cost to infrastructure was about 21.4 million pesos (NDRRMC Progress Report 4, 04 February 2023).
The DOST-PHIVOLCS Quick Response Team (QRT) was deployed from 3 to 12 February 2023 to: 1) conduct earthquake information, education and communication activities to local government units (LGUs) and local residents in the affected areas; 2) assess and map the earthquake’s geologic impacts and effects to structures; 3) retrieve peak ground acceleration (PGA) data from the Philippine Strong Motion Network (PSMNet); 4) conduct intensity assessment; and 5) assist the LGUs in assessing selected evacuation/relocation sites in terms of earthquake hazards if deemed necessary.
Most of the damages to structures were sustained in Compostela, Davao de Oro. Poor engineering practices and the use of substandard construction materials were the major contributing factors to the damages. Earthquake-induced landslides were documented in the municipalities of Compostela, Nabunturan, Monkayo, New Bataan and Maragusan, Davao de Oro. Analysis of the recorded PGA value in Compostela, Davao de Oro suggests that the site amplification of the ground motion was influenced by the subsurface geology of the area.
Download the poster: https://bit.ly/Feb2023-DavaodeOro-Earthquake
