Magnitude 5.0 quake hits South Cotabato

MANILA, Philippines — A magnitude 5.0 earthquake struck South Cotabato yesterday.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the epicenter of the quake, which occurred at around 3:13 a.m., was located nine kilometers south of Surallah town.

The quake was tectonic in nature and had a depth of nine kilometers.

The temblor was felt at Intensity 4, which is classified as moderately strong, in Surallah, Banga, Tampakan, Tupi, T’Boli and Koronadal City in South Cotabato.

The same intensity was felt in Maasim, Alabel, Glan, and Malapatan in Sarangani and General Santos City.

The quake was felt at Intensity 3 in Lake Sebu in South Cotabato and Malungon and Intensity 2 in Maitum, both in Sarangani.

Instrumental Intensity 5 was recorded in Lake Sebu and Instrumental Intensity 4 in Tupi, Banga, Polomolok, Surallah and Sto. Ñino in South Cotabato, General Santos as well as in Kiamba and Maasim in Sarangani.

Phivolcs said damage and aftershocks are expected from the quake.