Magnitude 6.1 earthquake hits offshore Davao Occidental

A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck offshore Sarangani, Davao Occidental on Saturday morning.

The earthquake occurred at 7:07 a.m., according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

The epicenter of the earthquake was located at 05.06°N, 126.12°E - 085 km S 58° E of Sarangani Island in the municipality of Sarangani.

The quake had a depth of 79 km and was tectonic in origin.

Intensity V was felt in Glan and Malungon in Sarangani, and Pantukan, Davao de Oro, PHIVOLCS said.

Meanwhile, Intensity IV was recorded in Alabel, Kiamba, and Malapatan in Sarangani; General Santos City; Tupi and City of Koronadal in South Cotabato; Davao City and Santa Cruz in Davao del Sur; Jose Abad Santos in Davao Occidental; and Monkayo, in Davao de Oro.

Students and office workers in Davao City temporarily evacuated their buildings following the earthquake, according to Jhesa Torrefranca of Super Radyo Davao in a report on Super Radyo dzBB.

The local government units in Davao City and Davao Occidental were on the alert and assessed the buildings and infrastructure in their areas.

Intensity III on the other hand was recorded in Maasim and Maitum in Sarangani; Banga, Tampakan, Surallah,and Polomolok in South Cotabato; Maco and Nabunturan in Davao de Oro; and Matanao and Magsaysay in Davao del Sur. 

PHIVOLCS said no damage is expected but aftershocks may occur.

There is no tsunami threat following the earthquake, it added.

"However, earthquakes of this size may generate unusual sea level disturbances that may be observed along coasts near earthquake epicenter of Davao Occidental and nearby provinces," PHIVOLCS said.

PHIVOLCS initially reported the earthquake as having magnitude 6.9, but downgraded it to magnitude 6.1 in its 8:12 a.m. update. —KG, GMA Integrated News