Philippine Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) confirmed that a magnitude 5.7 earthquake hit the coast of Sarangani province on Friday afternoon, May 9, 2014 at 1:44 p.m. The epicenter was located 31 km southeast of Sarangani in the Davao Occidental area.
According to Phivolcs, there will be expected aftershocks from the 5.7 earthquake which hit the coast of Sarangani. The quake was tectonic in origin which jolt the shore at a depth of 113 km.
Phivolcs released the following intensity reports:
Intensity IV: Davao City; Mati City, Davao Oriental
Intensity III: Bislig, Surigao del Sur; Tagum City
Intensity I: Gingoog, Misamis Oriental
Magnitude 5 earthquakes are “earthquakes with moderate strength and are felt over the wide areas; some of them cause small local damages near the epicenter.”
“Generally felt by most people indoors and outdoors. Many sleeping people are awakened. Some are frightened, some run outdoors. Strong shaking and rocking felt throughout building. Hanging objects swing violently. Dining utensils clatter and clink; some are broken. Small, light and unstable objects may fall or overturn. Liquids spill from filled open containers. Standing vehicles rock noticeably. Shaking of leaves and twigs of trees are noticeable,” Phivolcs noted.
Phivolcs has yet to raise tsunami warnings within Sarangani province since the tremor was located ashore. There is no immediate damage reported as of press time.
Note: We will continue to monitor for any incident that resulted from the Sarangani earthquake and we will post an update here.