Magnitude-6.3 Mindanao quake was ‘strongest’ in years – PHIVOLCS

The magnitude 6.3 earthquake that struck Cotabato last Wednesday was the strongest felt in Mindanao in recent years, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Executive Director Renato Solidum confirmed on Friday.

"Ang pinaka-recent na [malakas na] naramdaman sa Mindanao ay nangyari noong February 2017 sa Surigao del Norte. Magnitude 6.7 'yun kaya lang malayo na 'yun sa southern Mindanao kaya tama na in the recent history, ito na [the magnitude 6.3 quake] 'yung naramdamang pinakamalakas," said Solidum on GMA News' Unang Balita.

He added that the strongest quake recorded was the magnitude 8.3 tremblor which occured in the waters off Mati, Davao Oriental in 1924.

In 1976, a magnitude 7.9 earthquake generated a tsunami which claimed the lives of 8,000 people.

"Buong ka-Mindanaoan, Borneo at pati nga Visayas ay naramdaman ito," Solidum said.

The recent magnitude 6.3 earthquake that jolted various parts of Mindanao on Wednesday night claimed at least five lives and injured over 50 people.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte said it was the strongest quake she felt in her lifetime.

Two other quakes hit Davao Occidental and Davao Oriental the following day. — Dona Magsino/DVM, GMA News