Mild quake rocks Davao

MANILA, Philippines - A 3.8 magnitude tectonic earthquake rocked Davao Oriental yesterday but did not cause any damage or injuries, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

Phivolcs director Renato Solidum said the tremor, which occurred at 10:43 a.m., was slightly felt at Intensity 2 in Tarragon and Caraga towns.

He said the epicenter of the quake was traced 67 kilometers northeast of Mati, Davao Oriental.

Based on the Phivolcs’ Earthquake Intensity Scale, an Intensity 2 quake is “slightly felt by few individuals at rest indoors. Hanging objects swing slightly. Still water in containers oscillates noticeably.”

Some parts of the country have been hit by moderate quakes in the past several days, but Phivolcs said there was nothing abnormal about this since the Philippines lies on the so-called “Pacific Ring of Fire” where earthquakes and volcanic eruptions frequently occur.

Solidum said about 20 quakes hit the country every day but only a few are felt.