MANILA, Philippines – A magnitude 6.6 earthquake shook North Cotabato Tuesday morning, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported.
Phivolcs said the earthquake’s epicenter was traced 26 kilometers (km) northeast of Tulunan, Cotabato at 9:04 a.m.
Phivolcs warned of possible damage and aftershocks.
The earthquake had a depth of 8 kilometers and was of tectonic origin.
A woman on a stretcher is assisted by a companion after a powerful earthquake was felt in Davao City, Philippines Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2019. A powerful earthquake shook the southern Philippines on Tuesday morning, but no damage or casualties were immediately reported. AP Photo
Phivolcs’ updated bulletin showed the powerful earthquake’s recorded intensities in specific areas:
Reported Intensities
Intensity VII – Tulunan & Makilala, Cotabato; Kidapawan City; Malungon, Sarangani
Intensity VI – Davao City; Koronadal City; Cagayan de Oro City
Intensity V -Tampakan,Surallah and Tupi, South Cotabato; Alabel, Sarangani
Intensity IV – General Santos City; Kalilangan, Bukidnon
Intensity III – Sergio Osmeña Sr., Zamboanga del Norte; Zamboanga City; Dipolog City; Molave, Zamboanga del Norte; Talakag, Bukidnon
Intensity I- Camiguin, Mambajao
Instrumental Intensities
Intensity VII – Kidapawan City; Malungon, Sarangani
Intensity V – Alabel, Sarangani; Tupi, South Cotabato
Intensity IV – Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental; General Santos City
Intensity II – Zamboanga City
Intensity I- Dipolog City; Bislig City; Palo, Leyte
The earthquake struck 13 days after a devastating magnitude 6.3 earthquake jolted the same town on October 16 which left at least 6 persons dead and scores injured.
Two persons died and another one was wounded after they were run over by rolling rocks in Barangay Lanao Kuran in Arakan as a result of the Intensity 6.4 earthquake in North Cotabato. PHOTO/ Ryan Rosauro, Inquirer Mindanao
Tulunan Mayor Pip Limbungan immediately declared the suspension of classes in all levels in public and private schools on Tuesday and Wednesday to give way to the inspection of structures for possible damage.
Tremors were likewise felt in other parts of Mindanao, including the Davao region.
Patients of hospitals in Kidapawan City were evacuated to the city square. /gsg