Magnitude 6.4 earthquake shakes parts of Philippines

A magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck Davao Oriental and surrounding provinces on the morning of January 7, according to foreign media reports, citing the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

Phivolcs reported that the tremor occurred at approximately 11:02 a.m., with its source located 23 kilometres beneath the surface. The agency initially estimated the earthquake at magnitude 6.7 in its first advisory but later revised the figure downward in an updated bulletin.

The epicentre was identified roughly 55 kilometres east of the municipality of Manay in Davao Oriental. The agency confirmed that the quake was triggered by tectonic plate movement.

Strong ground shaking, assessed as Intensity V, was felt in Manay in Davao Oriental, Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur, and Talacogon in Agusan del Sur.

Moderate shaking, or Intensity IV, was recorded in Bislig City and Cagwait in Surigao del Sur, as well as in Tarragona and Cateel in Davao Oriental.

Intensity III shaking was experienced in Tandag City in Surigao del Sur, the towns of Boston and Baganga in Davao Oriental, and Claver in Surigao del Norte.

Weak shaking, classified as Intensity II, was felt in Davao City, General Santos City, and Butuan City, along with Baybay City and Palo in Leyte, and several areas in Southern Leyte.

Instrumental observations also confirmed the earthquake’s impact. Phivolcs registered Instrumental Intensity IV in Malungon, Sarangani, while Instrumental Intensity III was measured in Kiamba, Sarangani; Digos City, Davao del Sur; and Davao City.

Phivolcs cautioned that aftershocks remain possible and that damage may occur, though it emphasised that the event did not pose a tsunami threat.

By Tamilla Hasanova