Magnitude 6.4 quake shakes Sarangani

MANILA, Philippines — A magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck Sarangani in Davao Occidental on Wednesday night.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the quake hit at around 7:21 p.m.

The epicenter of the earthquake was located 66 kilometers south of Sarangani island. The quake was tectonic in origin and had a depth of 139 kms.

Phivolcs said aftershocks are expected.

The quake was felt at Intensity 5, which is classified as strong, in Digos, Davao del Sur; Don Marcelino, Jose Abad Santos, Malita, Sta. Maria and Sarangani, Davao Occidental; and Glan, Kiamba, Maitum and Malungon in Sarangani.

The temblor was felt at Intensity 4 or moderately strong in Pantukan, Davao de Oro; Tagum, Davao del Norte; Matanao, Davao del Sur; Davao City; Manay and Mati in Davao Oriental; Alabel, Maasim and Malapatan in Sarangani; Koronadal, Polomolok, T’Boli and Tupi in South Cotabato; General Santos City; and Esperanza, Lebak, Lutayan and Palimbang in Sultan Kudarat.

It was felt at Intensity 3 in Mawab, and Monkayo in Davao de Oro; Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur; Banaybanay, Boston, Caraga, Cateel, Governor Generoso, San Isidro and Tarragona in Davao Oriental; Alamada, Banisilan, Kidapawan, M’lang, Magpet, Makilala, Matalam, Midsayap, Pigkawayan and Tulunan in Cotabato.

It was also felt at Intensity 3 in Banga, Lake Sebu, Norala, Santo Niño, Surallah and Tampakan in South Cotabato; and Columbio, Isulan, Kalamansig, Lambayong, President Quirino, Senator Ninoy Aquino and Tacurong in Sultan Kudarat.

Instrumental Intensity 5 was recorded in Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental and Kiamba, Sarangani.

Instrumental Intensity 4 was recorded in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental; Koronadal, Polomolok, T’Boli and Tupi in South Cotabato; and General Santos.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said there was no visible damage to the passenger terminal buildings and other facilities at the Davao International Airport, Cotabato Airport and Mati Airport.

CAAP said airport operations were back to normal yesterday. — Rudy Santos