Magnitude 6.1 quake jolts Davao Occidental

MANILA, Philippines - A magnitude 6.1 earthquake jolted Davao Occidental yesterday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

The tremor struck 88 kilometers southeast of Don Marcelino town at 3:59 p.m., said Renato Solidum, Phivolcs director.

Solidum said the quake was felt at Intensity 4 in Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental; Intensity 3 in Glan, Sarangani; Intensity 2 in Davao City and General Santos City; and Intensity 1 in M’lang, North Cotabato.

He said there were no immediate reports of damage and injuries, and the quake was not expected to generate a tsunami. He, however, warned of aftershocks.

Phivolcs said earthquakes with magnitudes 6 to 7 are strong and can cause damage in areas near the epicenter.

Meanwhile, a magnitude 4.2 quake also rocked Hinoba-an town in Negros Occidental early yesterday morning.

The quake struck at 3:04 a.m. and its epicenter was located 60 kilometers southwest of Hinoba-an.

Phivolcs said quakes with magnitudes 4 to 5 are considered “feeble shocks” and usually do not cause damage.