A magnitude 4.9 earthquake struck near Sarangani Island in Davao Occidental on March 28 at 11:33 AM, causing light shaking across parts of Mindanao but no expected damage, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS-DOST) reported.
Earthquake Details
The earthquake occurred 28 kilometers northeast of Sarangani Island at coordinates 5.6°N, 125.69°E, with a depth of 189 kilometers. PHIVOLCS classified the earthquake as tectonic in origin, meaning it resulted from the movement of rock masses along fault lines.
Areas That Felt the Earthquake
Light shaking corresponding to Intensity II on the PHIVOLCS Earthquake Intensity Scale was felt in General Santos City, Malungon in Sarangani province, and the municipalities of Tupi and Polomolok in South Cotabato.
Weaker shaking at Intensity I was reported in Malapatan, Sarangani province. At this level, the earthquake was barely perceptible and felt only by few people at rest.
PHIVOLCS instruments also recorded the earthquake at varying intensities across the region. Intensity III shaking was detected in M'lang, Cotabato, and in Maasim and Malungon, Sarangani. Intensity II readings came from Tupi, South Cotabato, while Intensity I was recorded in Digos City in Davao del Sur, Jose Abad Santos in Davao Occidental, Kiamba in Sarangani, and T'Boli in South Cotabato.
No Damage or Aftershocks Expected
PHIVOLCS reported that no damage is expected from this earthquake due to its moderate magnitude and significant depth of 189 kilometers. The agency also stated that no aftershocks are anticipated.
The earthquake's considerable depth likely contributed to the relatively mild shaking felt at the surface despite its magnitude of 4.9.
Official Monitoring
PHIVOLCS issued the earthquake bulletin at 12:17 PM on March 28, approximately 44 minutes after the earthquake occurred. The agency stated this will be the only bulletin issued unless additional information becomes available.
Monitor official PHIVOLCS updates at phivolcs.dost.gov.ph