Moderate quake strikes near Kiamba, Sarangani

Phivolcs map

MANILA, Philippines–A moderate earthquake measuring 4.7 magnitude on the Richter scale struck near Kiamba in Sarangani province, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Wednesday.

The quake occurred at 8:44 a.m. and was tectonic in origin, resulting from movements in the earth’s crust.

According to Phivolcs, the earthquake was centered 52 kilometers southwest of Kiamba, and at an unusually shallow depth of just one kilometer. Shallow quakes often tend to be more damaging, but there were no reports of damage or injury from the tremor.

The towns of Kiamba in Sarangani and T’Boli in South Cotabato experienced an intensity of IV, which can result in noticeable shaking of indoor items, rattling noises, but significant damage is unlikely.

Lesser intensities were felt in surrounding areas. The towns of Maitum in Sarangani and Banga, Lake Sebu, and Surallah in South Cotabato experienced an intensity of III, often felt by people indoors and people outdoors may not recognize it as an earthquake.

On the other hand, Don Marcelino in Davao Occidental and the City of Koronadal, Norala, and Tupi in South Cotabato reported an intensity II, where people at rest could feel a quake.

The lowest reported intensity of I was recorded in Tampakan in South Cotabato, City of General Santos, and Bagumbayan, and President Quirino in Sultan Kudarat, typically not felt, but detected.