Tagum City, Davao del Norte – A magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck Davao Oriental this afternoon according to the Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
The Phivolcs said the origin of the quake was tectonic with its epicenter at approximately 39 kilometers (km) southeast of the town of Governor Generoso with a depth of 45 km.
The reported Intensities and location where it was felt are as follows:
Intensity V – Governor Generoso and Mati, Davao Oriental
Intensity IV – Tarragona, Davao Oriental; Davao City; Tagum City & Panabo City, Davao Del Norte
Intensity III – Lebak, Sultan Kudarat; General Santos City; Alabel, Malapatan, Glan & Kiamba, Sarangani; Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur; Bislig City; Butuan City;
Intensity II – San Francisco, Southern Leyte; Santa Cruz, Davao Del Sur; Koronadal City; Magpet & Makilala, North Cotabato; Polomolok, Tupi & Surallah, South Cotabato; Malungon, Sarangani; Kalilangan, Bukidnon; Kidapawan City; Cagayan De Oro City; Columbio, Sultan Kudarat.
Photos and videos uploaded in social media showed people rushing out of their work areas and malls. A session of the Sangguniang Panglungsod of Davao City was temporarily suspended when the earthquake struck.
The Phivolcs said aftershocks are to be expected. No damages to properties were reported. (Rommel F. Lopez)