Authorities in Sultan Kudarat ordered preemptive evacuations for coastal residents in Kalamansig, Lebak, and Palimbang (Kalepa) due to ongoing seismic activity and tsunami threats following a Magnitude 5.2 earthquake on Tuesday. Governor Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu suspended classes and government work in Kalepa, urging residents to remain calm and follow official instructions. Emergency services, including mobile hospitals and disaster response teams, were mobilized to assist evacuees.
Local officials enforced safety measures, including fishing bans and prioritized evacuations for vulnerable groups. No significant damage or injuries were reported as of late Wednesday. The region remains on alert as aftershocks continue, recalling the devastating 1976 tsunami that killed thousands in Mindanao. As of Thursday morning, Kalamansig recorded 14 additional tremors, the latest being a Magnitude 3.4 quake. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)
