6.8 Magnitude Quake Hits Off Philippines: USGS

AFP/APP

Manila: A 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of the southern Philippines on Saturday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said on Saturday.

No tsunami warning was issued, and there were no immediate reports of damage.

The shallow quake hit just before 6:30 am (2230 GMT), about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the village of Barcelona on the east of Mindanao island, according to the USGS. It did not trigger a tsunami alert, according to the US Tsunami Warning System and the Philippine seismological agency.

The local seismological agency also said no damage was expected from the earthquake, but it warned of aftershocks. In Lingig municipality, where Barcelona is located, local disaster officer Ian Onsing reported being woken by the shaking.

“The shaking was quite strong. The things around here were moving. I guess the shaking lasted around 10-15 seconds,” Onsing told AFP by telephone. “I’m not expecting any more damages, but we will go around the area again around 8:00 am just to be sure,” he said. “So far, there are no reported casualties or damages. We are now monitoring the shores for any rough movement.”

Earthquakes regularly strike the Philippines, which sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire—an arc of intense seismic and volcanic activity that stretches from Japan through Southeast Asia and across the Pacific basin.

Most are too weak to be felt by humans, but strong and destructive quakes come at random with no technology available to predict when and where they will happen.

In December, a 7.6-magnitude quake struck off Mindanao, briefly triggering a tsunami warning. That incident sent residents along the east coast of the island fleeing buildings, evacuating a hospital, and seeking higher ground. At least three people died.