Magnitude 6.2 quake shakes Sarangani, Davao Occidental

December 16, 2020

A magnitude 6.2 earthquake hit the area of Sarangani, Davao Occidental on Wednesday morning.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the epicenter of the offshore earthquake was located at 86km southeast of Sarangani, Davao Occidental.

The tremor, tectonic in origin, had a depth of 16 kilometers.

Phivolcs said damage to properties and possible aftershock are expected.

Easha Mariano, media liaison officer of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC), said the "General Santos CDRRMO temporarily suspended work in all government facilities until 1pm to give time for the inspection of facilities and other structures due to earthquake."

Mark Timbal, NDRRMC deputy spokesman, said assessment of possible damage in the affected areas is going on.

Intensity Five was felt in General Santos City and South Cotabato while Intensity Four in Kiamba, Alabel, Maasim, Glan, Malungon and Malapatan Saranggani; Lebak, Sultan Kudarat; Datu Blah Sinsuat, Maguindanao; Koronadal City, Polomolok, Tampakan and Tupi, South Cotabato.

Intensity Three was reported in Maitum, Sarangani; Cotabato City, Maguindanao; Davao City; Kidapawan City, North Cotabato; Tantangan and Santo Nino, South Cotabato.

Intensity Two was reported over Columbio, Sultan Kudarat; Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat; Magpet, North Cotabato and Intensity One in Zamboanga City.

Based on instrumental Intensities recorded by Phivolcs, Intensity V was felt in Gen. Santos City, South Cotabato, Intensity Four in Kiamba, Saranggani; Tupi, South Cotabato; Koronadal City, South Cotabato and Intensity Three in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato; Alabel, Saranggani; Kidapawan City, North Cotabato. Robina Asido/DMS