An earthquake with moderate strength measuring magnitude-5.9 on the Richter scale shook parts of Mindanao yesterday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said.
The earthquake occurred at around 8:30 a.m. and originated eight kilometers northwest of Malapatan, Sarangani.
The tremor was felt as “strong” at Intensity 5 in Malapatan and Alabel, also in Sarangani, and General Santos City.
It was “moderately strong” at Intensity 4 in Digos City in Davao del Sur and Kiamba, Sarangani.
Davao City and Lebak in Sultan Kudarat felt the earthquake as “weak tremor” or Intensity 3.
Phivolcs said the earthquake was tectonic in origin, caused by ground shaking primarily due to the sudden movement in the Earth’s plates.
The earthquake was shallow at a depth of 74 kilometers, resulting in strong shaking.
Phivolcs added that there was no reported damage to property or loss of lives due to the earthquake. However, aftershocks are expected to occur.
Earthquakes are normal occurrences because of several active fault lines in the country. Phivolcs records around 20 weak and strong tremors on the average everyday but some of it are too weak to be felt. (Ellalyn V. Ruiz and Joseph Jubelag)
