4.6 tectonic quake rocks parts of Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines - A magnitude 4.6 tectonic earthquake rocked parts of Mindanao yesterday but no damage or casualties were reported, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

Phivolcs director Renato Solidum said the quake occurred at 5:38 a.m. with its epicenter traced at 124 kms southeast of Mati, Davao Oriental.

The tremor, which had a depth of 68 kms, was felt at Intensity 2 in Kidapawan City and Makilala, North Cotabato.

The Philippines lies on the so-called Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an area where large numbers of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur.

According to Phivolcs, about 20 quakes hit the country everyday but only a few are felt.    – Helen Flores