APD | 6.3 Magnitude quake shakes North Cotabato province

By APD writer Melo M. Acuña

MANILA – A strong earthquake shook Makilala town in North Cotabato province and nearby areas at 7:37 P.M. Wednesday.

Science Undersecretary and Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology Director Dr. Renato Solidum said the Magnitude 6.3 earthquake had a depth of two kilometers.

In a statement, Dr. Solidum said they are expected damage to infrastructure and aftershocks. The statement added thye earthquake was of tectonic origin.

In Tulunan, M’Lang towns and Kidapawan City, all in North Cotabato reported Intensity VII while Tacurong City reported Intensity VI. The earthquake was felt as far as Zamboanga City in Western Mindanao.

Strong earthquakes seldom have shallow origins as this tremblor.

PHIVOLCS reported 13 aftershocks of various magnitudes, the strongest of which was Magnitude 5.5 at 9:09 P.M.

Local broadcast journalist Malu Cadelina Manar said power went off immediately after the strong earthquake and has not been restored as of this writing.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)