Magnitude 6.9 earthquake jolts Davao del Sur

SCREENGRAB FROM PHIVOLCS

MANILA, Philippines — A powerful 6.9 earthquake rocked Padada, Davao del Sur on Sunday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

The quake struck at 2:11 p.m. with epicenter 6 kilometers northwest of Padada.

Phivolcs said that the tremor was of tectonic origin and had a 30-kilometer depth of focus, sending people out of their houses and buildings in Digos City.

The tremor was also felt in other areas at various intensities:

Reported Intensities:

• Intensity VII – Matanao & Magsaysay, Davao del Sur
• Intensity VI – Kidapawan City; General Santos City; Bansalan, Davao del Sur; Alabel & Malapatan,
  Sarangani; Koronadal City
• Intensity V – Tulunan & Matalam, Cotabato; Cotabato City; Davao City; Glan, Sarangani
• Intensity III – Kalilangan, Talakag & Dangcagan, Bukidnon
• Intensity II – Impasugong, Bukidnon; Cagayan de Oro City; Dipolog City
• Intensity I – Zamboanga del Sur

Instrumental Intensities:

• Intensity VIII – Malungon, Sarangani
• Intensity VI – Alabel, Sarangani; Kidapawan City
• Intensity V – General Santos City; Koronadal City; Tupi, South Cotabato
• Intensity III – Gingoog City
• Intensity II – Zamboanga City; Kiamba, Sarangani

Residents in the area may expect further aftershocks and damage, Phivolcs added.

In October, a string of powerful temblors struck Mindanao, leaving several dead, dozens hurt and houses and buildings destroyed or damaged. With reports from Orlando B. Dinoy, Inquirer Mindanao

Edited by JE