The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded another moderately strong earthquake in Davao de Oro, Tuesday afternoon, March 7.
Phivolcs said the earthquake measuring magnitude 5.6 on the Richter scale struck 11 kilometers southeast of New Bataan, Davao de Oro around 4:47 p.m.
It was felt at Intensity IV (moderately strong) in Monkayo in Davao de Oro and Tagum City in Davao del Norte; Intensity III (weak) in Davao City, San Isidro, Sto. Tomas and Panabo City in Davao del Norte; Intensity II (slightly felt) in Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental; and Intensity I (scarcely perceptible) in Magpet, Cotabato.
Phivolcs’ instruments also recorded the tremor at Intensity V in Nabunturan, Davao de Oro; Intensity III in Malungon, Sarangani; Intensity II in Davao City in Davao Del Sur, Don Marcelino in Davao Occidental, and Tupi in South Cotabato; and Intensity I in Kadingilan, Malaybalay and Talakag in Bukidnon; Magpet and Kidapawan City in Cotabato; Cagayan de Oro in Misamis Oriental; Alabel in Sarangani, Suralla, Koronadal City and Norala in South Cotabato, Columbio in Sultan Kudarat, and Bislig City in Surigao del Sur.
(PHIVOLCS)
Prior to the 5.6-magnitude earthquake, Phivolcs recorded a 5.9-magnitude tremor that also originated in New Bataan, Davao de Oro around 2:02 p.m. of March 7.
It said the earthquakes were tectonic, which means these were caused by the movement of an active fault or faults near the area.
Phivolcs said the adjacent active faults are causing the “series” or sequence of events with the same magnitude in Davao de Oro.
Moreover, it said the earthquakes may have caused damage to houses, buildings, and other infrastructures.
It advised the public to stay vigilant as aftershocks may occur.