6.1-magnitude quake hits Balut Island, Davao Occidental -- Phivolcs


(PHIVOLCS)

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) detected a 6.1-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Davao Occidental on Saturday morning, Jan. 22.

Based on its earthquake bulletin, Phivolcs said the tremor occurred at around 10:26 a.m., with the epicenter traced 275 kilometers (km) southeast of Balut Island, Sarangani, Davao Occidental.

The quake occurred at a shallow depth of 33 km.

Phivolcs initially measured the earthquake at magnitude 6.5 but later revised it to magnitude 6.1.

It was felt as a "weak" tremor at Intensity III in Sarangani, Davao Occidental, while it was "scarcely perceptible" at Intensity I in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat.

Phivolcs' instruments also recorded the quake at Intensity I in General Santos City.

Meanwhile, Phivolcs said there is no threat of a tsunami hitting the country after the occurrence of the strong earthquake.

However, it advised the public to stay vigilant as aftershocks may occur due to this earthquake.