5.2-magnitude quake hits parts of southern Mindanao

Image from Philvolcs website

TAGUM CITY, Philippines—A moderately strong earthquake shook several areas of southern Mindanao before noon on Sunday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

The magnitude-5.2 quake rattled parts of Caraga and Davao regions at 11:04 a.m., followed by a magnitude-5.0 temblor several minutes later, according to Desiderio Cabanlit, Phivolcs Davao chief.

Cabanlit said the stronger quake was traced 23 kilometers northeast of Cateel town in Davao Oriental at a depth of 53 kilometers. The second shaking, he said, originated some four kilometers from the first quake at a depth of 40 kilometers. Both quakes were of tectonic in origin.

Intensity 4 was felt in Lingig and Hinatuan towns in Surigao del Sur while Intensity 3 was experienced in Bislig, also in Surigao del Sur, said Cabanlit. Intensity 4 means most people indoors feel the shaking and the movement is strong enough to sway hanging objects. Intensity 3 means many people indoors feel the quake but people outside might not feel the movement.

The quakes were also felt in Davao del Norte and nearby Compostela Valley province.

The US Geological Survey placed the quakes’ strength at magnitude-4.9 and 4.5.

No damage or injuries as a result of the quakes have been reported.

The Philippines sits on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire where continental plates collide, causing frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Originally posted at 01:47 pm | Sunday, July 29, 2012