5.2 quake shakes Davao Region

MANILA, Philippines — A magnitude 5.2 earthquake of tectonic origin rocked a large swathe of Davao Region on Wednesday at 8:57 a.m., state seismologists said.

There were no immediate reports of damage or injury from the quake that centered 43 kilometers southeast of Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental, with a depth of 39 kilometers, said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

Intensity IV was felt in Malita, and Santa Maria in Davao Occidental, as well as Governor Generoso, and San Isidro in Davao Oriental. Intensity III was recorded in several areas, including Compostela, Davao De Oro, and City of Digos, Davao Del Sur.

The tremor was also experienced in varying degrees of intensity in cities and municipalities across Davao Del Norte, Davao De Oro, Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Misamis Oriental, Cotabato, and Surigao Del Sur.

Instrumental intensities, gauged by earthquake monitoring equipment, measured Intensity III in areas such as Nabunturan, Davao De Oro and Malungon, Sarangani. Other cities such as the City of Davao, Kidapawan in Cotabato, and City of General Santos recorded Intensity II.

Despite the widespread shaking, Phivolcs has clarified that no damages are expected as a result of the quake.

However, residents are cautioned to expect aftershocks.

The Philippines sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire” where continental plates collide causing frequent seismic and volcanic activity.

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