Magnitude 6.6 Earthquake Strikes Off Southern Philippines

Magnitude 6.6 Earthquake Strikes Off Southern Philippines
6.6 magnitude earthquake its central Mindanao in the southern Philippines on Oct. 29, 2019. (USGS)
Reuters
10/28/2019
Updated:
10/28/2019

An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.6 hit central Mindanao in the southern Philippines on Oct. 29, shaking buildings and causing residents to rush from schools and offices.

The quake struck 26 km (16 miles) northeast of Tulunan, Cotabato at 9:04 a.m. local time, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

There were no were immediate reports of casualties or major damage, but with several aftershocks to be expected, Phivolcs advised residents in affected areas to remain outside the buildings.

The earthquake also shook nearby provinces and cities, including Davao City, the hometown of President Rodrigo Duterte and among the most populous cities in the country.

DZMM radio reported that power cables were seen swinging in Davao, while people rushed to open spaces, with some fainting because of fear.

Classes in schools were suspended after the earthquake.

It also triggered power cuts in General Santos city, ANC news channel reported.

Two strong afterquakes have also been reported more than an hour after the initial quake: one at 5.0 magnitude and another at 5.8 magnitude.

The quake was initially reported as being of 6.7 magnitude by the European-Mediterranean Seismological Center (EMSC).

Earthquakes are common in the Philippines, which is on the geologically active Pacific Ring of Fire.

On Oct. 16, a magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck central Mindanao, killing five people and injuring dozens.

With additional reporting by Epoch Times staff.