5.9-magnitude quake jolts southern Mindanao

IMG FROM PHIVOLCS

(Updated, 9:42 p.m.) A 5.9-magnitude earthquake jolted southern Mindanao on Saturday morning, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

Phivolcs earlier pegged the quake at magnitude 5.4.

The quake struck 22 kilometers southeast of Malapatan town in Sarangani at 8:30 a.m.

Initial information from Phivolcs said the tremor had a depth of 30 kilometers. It was tectonic in origin.

Intensity V was felt in Malapatan and Alabel, Sarangani and General Santos City; Intensity IV was felt in Digos City and Kiamba, Sarangani; while Intensity III was recorded in Davao City and Lebak, Sultan Kudarat.

Phivolcs said no damage was expected but warned there could be numerous aftershocks.

The Philippines sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire where continental plates collide, causing frequent quakes and volcanic activity. Frances Mangosing/IDL

Read more...