18 aftershocks recorded after 7.1-magnitude quake in Davao Occidental

ZAMBOANGA CITY – A total of 18 tremors, ranging from magnitude 3.2 to 4.2, were recorded by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) in the 10 hours after a 7.1 earthquake hit Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental on Thursday night.

The earthquake which was tectonic in origin, hit Jose Abad Santos in Davao Occidental at 8:23 p.m., and was traced 231 kilometers southeast of Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, the Phivolcs report said.

The quake was also felt at an intensity 5 in General Santos City and Kiamba, Sarangani:

Intensity 4 in Davao City, parts of General Santos City, Alabel, Sarangani; Koronadal City and South Cotabato.

Intensity 3 was felt in Kidapawan, Bislig, Surigao del Sur, and Gingoog, Misamis Oriental.

Intensity 2 was recorded in Cagayan de Oro, Surigao City, Surigao del Norte, and Borongan in Eastern

Samar; while intensity 1 was logged in Catbalogan, Samar.

Jose Abad Santos town Mayor Jason John Joyce said on Thursday night, that no damage was reported in his town, as of Thursday night.

“I am sending this message to everyone who was asking about the earthquake. We are okay. No damages reported as of yet. [We] will update,” Joyce said in a statement on Thursday evening.

Phivolcs said there was no indication that a tsunami will hit the coastal towns of Davao Occidental in Mindanao, Philvocs seismologist stated in their advisory.

On Friday, the local government of Jose Abad Santos is expected to assess the extent of damaged that the earthquake caused. (Nonoy E. Lacson)