ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat (February 5) – Families in coastal and upland communities of Sultan Kudarat remain on edge as an ongoing earthquake swarm—a series of repeated tremors occurring in the same area without a single dominant quake—continues to shake the province, prompting government assurances of immediate aid and heightened disaster readiness.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), thousands of minor to moderate earthquakes have been recorded since January 20, with the strongest so far a magnitude 5.7 tremor on January 28.
While an earthquake swarm does not automatically signal a major quake, experts warn that repeated shaking can weaken homes, schools, and slopes, increasing risks of structural damage, landslides, and prolonged stress on affected communities.
Initial assessments show the seismic activity has affected 11,898 families, or about 35,000 individuals, including 8,074 families in Kalamansig, 3,284 in Lebak, and 522 in Palimbang.
Despite no reported casualties or major infrastructure damage, fear persists in frequently shaken barangays.
“Every time the ground moves, we grab our children,” a coastal resident in Kalamansig said. “We sleep ready to run if the shaking gets stronger.”
Governor Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu said the provincial government is on full alert, coordinating closely with national agencies and LGUs to ensure the safety of residents, especially those in high-risk coastal and upland areas.
“We are mobilizing all available assets of the provincial government,” Mangudadatu said. “Our priority is to make sure affected families are safe and that help reaches them immediately.”
The provincial government is working with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to release immediate cash assistance to families affected by the earthquakes.
“We want families to feel that they are not alone,” the governor said. “Support, including cash assistance, will help them cope and recover.”
Beyond emergency response, Mangudadatu called for calm, unity, and reflection as tremors continue.
“Hindi controlled ng tao ang earthquake. Ang may control ang Panginoon,” he said. “This is a reminder for us to stay humble.”
The governor also stressed that public safety—especially of students and teachers—remains the top priority, saying he will not hesitate to suspend classes if conditions worsen.
“If kinakailangan, I will not hesitate to suspend classes—even for one month or one year,” he said, adding that schools must be ready to shift to blended, modular, or online learning during prolonged disruptions.
Meanwhile, the municipal government of Senator Ninoy Aquino town has strengthened its disaster response capacity with new equipment to speed up rescue and emergency operations.
Mayor Rafael George Flauta III said the LGU recently acquired a heavy-duty 4×4 dump truck for disaster response and road clearing, and received a patient transport vehicle from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.
“Our response will now be faster and more effective in protecting our community,” Flauta said.
The upland town, which is prone to flooding and landslides, is among areas being closely monitored as authorities brace for possible compounded hazards.
Residents were urged to stay calm, secure their homes, prepare emergency go-bags, and follow official advisories as seismic monitoring continues across the province.
