By Bohol Island News Staff | 01:16 PM October 29, 2019
A magnitude 6.6 earthquake shook North Cotabato Tuesday morning, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported.
The quake reportedly destroyed buildings and injured people.
It was felt in various parts of Mindanao which resulted to the suspension of classes of some local government units (LGUs).
Phivolcs said the earthquake’s epicenter was traced 26 kilometers (km) northeast of Tulunan, Cotabato at 9:04 a.m.
Phivolcs warned of possible damage and aftershocks.
The earthquake had a depth of 8 kilometers and was of tectonic origin.
Phivolcs’ updated bulletin showed the powerful earthquake’s recorded intensities in specific areas:
Reported Intensities
Intensity VII – Tulunan & Makilala, Cotabato; Kidapawan City; Malungon, Sarangani
Intensity VI – Davao City; Koronadal City; Cagayan de Oro City
Intensity V -Tampakan,Surallah and Tupi, South Cotabato; Alabel, Sarangani
Intensity IV – General Santos City; Kalilangan, Bukidnon
Intensity III – Sergio Osmeña Sr., Zamboanga del Norte; Zamboanga City; Dipolog City; Molave, Zamboanga del Norte; Talakag, Bukidnon
Intensity I- Camiguin, Mambajao
Instrumental Intensities
Intensity VII – Kidapawan City; Malungon, Sarangani
Intensity V – Alabel, Sarangani; Tupi, South Cotabato
Intensity IV – Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental; General Santos City
Intensity II – Zamboanga City
Intensity I- Dipolog City; Bislig City; Palo, Leyte
The earthquake was the second powerful quake to strike Mindanao in two weeks. A 6.3-magnitude quake struck the island on Oct. 16, killing at least five people.
Because of its location on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippines is prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions caused by the movement of tectonic plates.