6.8 Magnitude Earthquake Recorded Offshore of Sarangani, Davao Occidental

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported a 6.8 magnitude earthquake just off the coast of Sarangani and Davao Occidental at 4:14 PM on Friday, November 17. The strong earthquake reportedly shook the Municipality of Sarangani, Davao Occidental, and other provinces in Mindanao. The bureau warned the public of possible aftershocks, but no tsunami warning was raised. PSA notes that PHIVOLCS initially registered the quake as 7.2 magnitude. 

The tectonic earthquake originated 28 kilometers southwest of Sarangani, Davao Occidental, and had an estimated depth of 63 kilometers, which prompted evacuation in some establishments, government offices, schools, and businesses. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), there are 9 reported casualties – 8 recorded in Soccsksargen and 1 in the Davao Region. 

Major damages were reported after recorded videos of the incident surfaced X (formerly Twitter) including large debris falling off a construction cane from a building in Matina, Davao City, and remnants of ceiling debris were captured in a mall in General Santos City. The NDRRMC reports that 97 houses were destroyed while 729 houses were partially damaged. It adds that three of the twelve roads in Soccsksargen remain impassable.

Power was reportedly cut off in General Santos City and Sarangani province following the quake and was partially restored around 7 PM.

As of 8 AM, November 21, PHIVOLCS has recorded 109 aftershocks ranging from 1.4 to 4.7 magnitude. In addition, the earthquake bureau said, “the presence of offshore active faults and trenches, including an unnamed offshore fault east of Davao Occidental and the Cotabato Trench, contributes to seismic activity [felt in Sarangani and nearby provinces in Mindanao].”

PSA warns those in the area that there might be seismic hazards expected such as earthquake-induced landslides, rock falls, and mass movement may occur near mountainous or hilly areas. It is also advised to be cautious of damaged and unstable structures caused by the earthquake event, as these may be further damaged by succeeding earthquakes and injure others.

Please view the full report of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) here.