5.8-magnitude quake hits Davao Oriental

Image shows the epicenter of the 4.8-magnitude earthquake that jolted Davao Oriental on Tuesday afternoon, September 10, 2019. Image from Phivolcs

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) — A magnitude 5.8 earthquake hit Davao Oriental on Tuesday afternoon, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

Phivolcs said the quake’s epicenter was located 39 kilometers (km) southeast of Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental. Record showed the quake struck at 1:39 p.m.

The quake, which was tectonic in origin, had a depth of 45 km.

Phivolcs earlier reported the quake at magnitude 5.3 but later raised it to magnitude 5.8.

However, the US Geological Survey documented it as a magnitude 5.6 tremor with its epicenter 23 kilometers southeast of Mati City.

The temblor was felt in Davao City at Intensity 4, which prompted evacuations in major establishments, schools, and hospitals.

Intensity 3 was felt in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat; Alabel and Malapatan in the province of Sarangani; Bislig City and Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur; Butuan City in Agusan del Norte; General Santos City in South Cotabato, and Gingoog City.

Intensity 2 was felt in San Francisco in Southern Leyte, Santa Cruz in Davao del Sur, Koronadal City in South Cotabato, Magpet in Cotabato, Kalilangan in Bukidnon, and Cagayan de Oro City.

The main tremor was followed by a succession of weaker quakes at 3.2, 2.5, and 2.1 magnitudes, also in Governor Generoso town.

Phivolcs said no damage were recorded due to the temblor but aftershocks are expected following the quake. /jpv  /lzb  /je

Originally published on: Sept. 10, 2019 @ 2:33 p.m.