Panic gripped Mindanao island as a formidable 6.7 magnitude earthquake unleashed fierce tremors off its southeastern shore early Wednesday, though quick checks show no widespread devastation.
PHIVOLCS pinpointed the epicenter 47 kilometers out to sea from Manay in Davao Oriental province. The quake struck at 11:02 a.m. local time, originating 42 km deep and sending shudders felt island-wide.
Eyewitnesses described buildings swaying ominously, with crowds pouring into streets from residences and workplaces. The sudden jolt sowed momentary chaos, but calm has since returned.
Relief swept through as no deaths, injuries, or substantial property losses surfaced immediately. On-site emergency responders verified the absence of critical damage in the quake’s core zone.
Still, PHIVOLCS flags aftershock risks, particularly where the shaking was strongest. Heightened monitoring persists to safeguard against secondary impacts.
This latest rumble highlights the relentless seismic threats facing the Philippines, perched on the volatile Pacific Ring of Fire belt plagued by plate collisions.
Context from prior incidents: December 22 saw a 5.7 quake at 10 km depth in adjacent seas. The October 6.9 monster near Cebu, barely 5 km underground, wrought havoc—collapsing structures, fatalities, power outages, and a brief tsunami scare.
As the dust settles, Philippine authorities ramp up public awareness campaigns, stressing earthquake drills, fortified constructions, and swift evacuations to blunt future perils in this high-risk terrain.