Magnitude 5.4 quake jolts waters off Balut Island — PHIVOLCS

A magnitude 5.4 earthquake struck waters southeast of Balut Island in Davao Occidental in the early hours of Sunday, but no damage is expected, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said.

In its earthquake information bulletin, PHIVOLCS reported that the tremor occurred at 1:22:19 a.m. on March 1, with its epicenter located 93 kilometers south 48 degrees east of Balut Island, Sarangani town.

The quake was traced at a depth of 56 kilometers and was classified as tectonic in origin.

Instrumental intensity readings showed Intensity II in Malungon, Sarangani; Tupi, South Cotabato; and Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat, indicating that the shaking was slightly felt.

Intensity I was recorded in Maasim and Malapatan, Sarangani; Koronadal City and T’Boli, South Cotabato; Santa Maria, Davao Occidental; and Digos City, Davao del Sur, where the tremor was barely perceptible.

PHIVOLCS said no damage is expected from the earthquake but warned that aftershocks are likely.

The Philippines lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where frequent seismic activity occurs due to the movement of tectonic plates. —MCG, GMA Integrated News