6.5 magnitude quake jolts Mindanao, 2nd powerful tremor in a week

MANILA, Philippines — An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.5 shook parts of Mindanao Thursday morning, the second strong quake to jolt the region in a span of days.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the tremor was felt at around 9:11 a.m. 33 kilometers east of Tulunan, Cotabato.

Intensity VII (destructive) shaking was felt in Tulunan, Cotabato, Kidapawan City and Bansalan, Davao del Sur while Intensity VI (very strong) tremors were recorded in Matano, Davao del Sur.

They also reported these instrumental intensities in the following areas:

Intensity VII

• Kidapawan City

Intensity V

• Malungon, Sarangani

Intensity IV

• Kiamba and Alabel, Sarangani
• Tupi, South Cotabato
• Koronadal City
• General Santos City

Intensity III

• Gingoog City
• Cagayan de Oro City

According to Phivolcs, damage and aftershocks are expected after the earthquake, which was tectonic in origin.

Just last Tuesday, a 6.6 magnitude quake jolted Tulunan, leaving at least five people dead and almost 400 individuals injured. — Patricia Lourdes Viray

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