
By Brian Jules Campued
A magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck the southeast of Sarangani, Davao Occidental early Tuesday morning, Jan. 9, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported.
State seismologists first recorded the earthquake at magnitude 7.1, which jolted 183 kilometers (km) off the coast of Balut Island around 4:48 a.m.
Based on the earthquake information bulletin updated by Phivolcs at 6:43 a.m., the earthquake was tectonic in origin and had a depth of 94 km.
Intensity IV was felt in Malungon, Glan, and Kiamba in the municipality of Sarangani.
Intensity III was detected in General Santos City; Koronadal City; and the towns of Tupi, Polomolok, and T’boli in South Cotabato; Alabel and Malapatan, Sarangani; and Matalam, Cotabato.
Intensity II was also felt in Tampakan, Tantangan, Banga, Norala, Santo Niño, Surallah, and Lake Sebu in South Cotabato; City of Zamboanga; Maitum, Sarangani; City of Kidapawan, Makilala, M’lang, Pigcawayan, Tulunan, and Kabacan, Cotabato; and President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat.
Meanwhile, Intensity I was recorded in City of Cagayan de Oro; Maasin, Sarangani; Arakan, Cotabato; and Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.
Phivolcs said there is no risk of tsunami, but Phivolcs warned of more aftershocks following the tremor. – cf