Magnitude 6.6 earthquake jolts parts of Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines – A magnitude 6.6 earthquake shook North Cotabato Tuesday morning, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported.

Phivolcs said the earthquake’s epicenter was traced 26 kilometers (km) northeast of Tulunan, Cotabato at 9:04 a.m.

Phivolcs warned of possible damage and aftershocks.

The earthquake had a depth of 8 kilometers and was of tectonic origin.

A woman on a stretcher is assisted by a companion after a powerful earthquake was felt in Davao City, Philippines Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2019. A powerful earthquake shook the southern Philippines on Tuesday morning, but no damage or casualties were immediately reported. AP Photo

Phivolcs’ updated bulletin showed the powerful earthquake’s recorded intensities in specific areas:

Reported Intensities 

Intensity VII – Tulunan & Makilala, Cotabato; Kidapawan City; Malungon, Sarangani

Intensity VI – Davao City; Koronadal City; Cagayan de Oro City

Intensity V -Tampakan,Surallah and Tupi, South Cotabato; Alabel, Sarangani

Intensity IV – General Santos City; Kalilangan, Bukidnon

Intensity III – Sergio Osmeña Sr., Zamboanga del Norte; Zamboanga City; Dipolog City; Molave,  Zamboanga del Norte; Talakag, Bukidnon

Intensity I- Camiguin, Mambajao

Instrumental Intensities

Intensity VII – Kidapawan City; Malungon, Sarangani

Intensity V – Alabel, Sarangani; Tupi, South Cotabato

Intensity IV – Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental; General Santos City

Intensity II – Zamboanga City

Intensity I- Dipolog City; Bislig City; Palo, Leyte

The earthquake struck 13 days after a devastating magnitude 6.3 earthquake jolted the same town on October 16 which left at least 6 persons dead and scores injured.

Two persons died and another one was wounded after they were run over by rolling rocks in Barangay Lanao Kuran in Arakan as a result of the Intensity 6.4 earthquake in North Cotabato. PHOTO/ Ryan Rosauro, Inquirer Mindanao

Tulunan Mayor Pip Limbungan immediately declared the suspension of classes in all levels in public and private schools on Tuesday and Wednesday to give way to the inspection of structures for possible damage.

Tremors were likewise felt in other parts of Mindanao, including the Davao region.

Patients of hospitals in Kidapawan City were evacuated to the city square. /gsg