MANILA — A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck the waters off Sultan Kudarat on Tuesday afternoon, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.
The location of the quake — which hit around 1:24 p.m. at a depth of 36 kilometers — was in northwest of Lebak town.
The tectonic tremor was felt in nearby areas, with Intensity 3 being reported in Cotabato City, Intensity 2 in General Santos City, and Intensity 1 in Zamboanga City.
An Intensity 3 quake is felt by many people indoors especially on the upper floors of buildings, according to Phivolcs, adding that its vibration feels like the passing of a light truck.
Phivolcs said damage was not expected after the temblor but warned of aftershocks.
Instrumental Intensities were also reported in the following areas:
Intensity IV- T'boli, South Cotabato
Intensity III- Santo Nino and Koronadal City, South Cotabato; Kiamba, Sarangani
Intensity II - General Santos City; Cotabato City; Malungon and Maasim, Sarangani
Intensity I - Zamboanga City; Davao City; Cagayan de Oro City; Kidapawan City
The Philippines is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, making earthquakes a common occurrence.
Just last month, its island of Luzon was hit by a deadly magnitude 7 earthquake, with over a thousand aftershocks recorded following the main quake.
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