GENERAL SANTOS CITY(January 22) — Residents of Kalamansig and nearby coastal towns in Sultan Kudarat were rattled by over 400 offshore earthquakes recorded from 10:52 p.m. Jan. 19 to 1 p.m. Wednesday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported.
At least 135 of these quakes, ranging from magnitude 1.5 to 5.2, were plotted or located, while 20 were felt by local communities, highlighting the area’s active seismic activity.
In its advisory, Phivolcs reminded residents to practice “duck, drop, cover, and hold” during tremors. Those living along the coast are urged to remain vigilant and watch for signs of a possible tsunami, such as unusual sea behavior.
Community preparedness is key
Local authorities and disaster risk teams are coordinating monitoring and public safety efforts, while residents are encouraged to have emergency kits ready, know evacuation routes, and follow official advisories.
Phivolcs also advised the public to check updates regularly through its website and official social media accounts to stay informed on new seismic events and safety measures.
With offshore quakes continuing in the area, officials stressed that awareness, readiness, and adherence to safety protocols are essential to protect lives and minimize risk.
