Strong quake jolts Davao region

MANILA, Philippines – A magnitude-6.5 earthquake hit Davao region early yesterday morning, sending shockwaves that were felt across eastern and central Mindanao.

The quake, which occurred at 6:53 a.m., was followed by nearly two dozens aftershocks including two that measured magnitude 4.9 and 4.5.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said no significant damage was reported from the quake.

Phivolcs director Renato Solidum said no tsunami alert was issued, as the source of quake was too deep.

The quake occurred some 51 kilometers southeast of Mati in Davao Oriental.    

It was felt at Intensity 5 in Davao City, Mati and Baganga, all in Davao Oriental, and Tagum City and the Island Garden City of Samal, both in Davao del Norte.

Intensity 4 was felt in General Santos City, Butuan City in Davao Oriental, Digos City in Davao del Sur; Polomolok in South Cotabato, and in several municipalities in Sarangani, Davao Occidental and Agusan del Sur.

Intensity 3 was felt in Cagayan de Oro City and parts of Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental, and Intensity 2 in Kidapawan City and Makilala in North Cotabato.

The epicenter of the magnitude-4.9 aftershock was located 46 kilometer southeast of Mati, where it was felt at Intensity 3. It was recorded at 7:45 a.m.

Another magnitude-4.5 quake occurred 38 kilometerssoutheast of Mati at 2:21 p.m.

As of 2 p.m. yesterday, at least 20 more aftershocks between magnitudes 2.2 to 3.1 were recorded.

Solidum said aftershocks could still be felt in the areas until today. He said a movement in the fault line generated the quake. – With Ben Serrano