Phivolcs says no indication of volcanic activity in Davao de Oro amid quakes

The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-Phivolcs) allayed fears that the series of earthquakes indicate volcanic activity as it is tectonic in origin.

In a primer dated March 7, 2023, DOST-Phivolcs said the series of light to moderate magnitude earthquakes that shook Davao de Oro, which followed after a magnitude 5.9 earthquake, downgraded from magnitude 6.2, that struck the province after- noon of March 7 with epicenter in the municipality of Maragusan, sparked fear among the residents of a volcanic eruption as the nearest active volcano from the epicenter is Leonard Kniaseff Volcano.

However, DOST-Philvolcs vowed to continue its monitoring procedures for moderate to large earthquakes occurring near active volcanoes concerning any activity that may be associated with Leonard Kniaseff Volcano.

The agency reported that the highest magnitude recorded by the Philippine Seismic Network in the series of earthquakes on March 6 and 7 was felt in the municipalities of New Bataan, Maragusan, Nabunturan, Maco, and Pantukan in Davao de Oro.

Philvolcs warned the residents of aftershocks in the epicenter area and the occurrences of strong earthquakes that may continue for several days to weeks.

Aside from strong ground