APD | Strong earthquake rocks Southern Philippines

By APD writer Melo M. Acuña

MANILA – Davao region is still reeling from the ill effects of the recent earthquakes some two months ago was rocked by a magnitude 6.9 earthquake at 2:11 P.M. today. It was learned the earthquake was of tectonic origin.

The government-run Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said the earthquake’s epicenter was traced some six kilometers from Padada, Davao del Sur at a depth of 30 kilometers.

Earthquake monitoring facilities recorded dozens of aftershocks as of this writing. The strong earthquake registered Intensity VII in Matanao and Magsaysay, Davao del Sur, Intensity VI in Kidapawan, Koronadal and General Santos cities, Bansalan in Davao del Sur and the towns of Alabel and Malapatan in Sarangani province.

It will be recalled Cotabato province experienced three succeeding strong earthquakes with 6.3 magnitude last October 16, a magnitude 6.6 on October 29 and another 6.5 magnitude last October 31.

Media outlets quoted the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines said the Davao International Airport sustained cracks due to the 6.9 magnitude earthquake today. There were no damages reported on the runway though there were several structural defects seen. The CAAP personnel are still looking into the extent of the damage.

CAAP Spokesman Eric Apolinario said Davao International Airport is still in normal operations.

Netizens posted photos of school buildings damaged by the strong earthquake.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)