Magnitude 6.5 quake jolts Davao Occidental

By Ma. Cristina Arayata | Philippine News Agency

MANILA – A magnitude 6.5 earthquake jolted Balut Island in Sarangani town, Davao Occidental on Saturday (Jan. 22) morning, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported.

The tectonic quake struck 234 km. southeast of Balut Island at 10:26 a.m. with a depth of 66 km.

Both aftershocks and damage are expected, according to Phivolcs.

There is no reported intensity yet in the earthquake bulletin issued at 10:33 a.m.

Earlier at 4:43 a.m., a magnitude 5.4 earthquake jolted Davao Oriental, with the epicenter recorded 15 km. southeast of Baganga.

Intensity IV was felt in Baganga and Caraga, Davao Oriental and Maco, Davao de Oro.

Intensity III was reported in Mawab and Monkayo, Davao de Oro; Lupon, Manay, and San Isidro, Davao Oriental; Bislig City, Surigao del Sur; and Rosario, Agusan del Sur.

Aftershocks are likely, Phivolcs said. (PNA) – bny

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