An earthquake of 6.7 struck the southern Mindanao region in the Philippines, as the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported.
The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) noted that the earthquake originated 60 km (37.3 miles) off Mindanao’s coast. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre has assured that there is no threat of a tsunami following the quake.
Initial reports from the country’s seismology office indicated that the earthquake lasted several seconds, urging locals to watch for aftershocks and possible damage. Amor Mio, the police commander of Koronadal City near the epicentre, confirmed there were no immediate reports of injuries. Authorities are inspecting a nearby mall that suffered damage.
Leny Aranego, a radio host from General Santos City, described how the earthquake caused laptops to fall off desks and cracked walls. Additionally, Michael Ricafort recounted that passengers at an airport in General Santos City were evacuated to the tarmac during the quake.
The Philippines, located in the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is a region known for its frequent seismic activity. This chain of volcanoes and seismic fault lines around the Pacific Ocean is prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, making the Philippines a hotspot for such natural events.
