Mindanao,Philippines – On November 17, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2 struck the southern Philippine region of Mindanao, resulting in the death of a married couple. Philippines Earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles) undersea, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)as reported by the news agency PTI.
Given the Philippines’ location on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a zone with active seismic faults, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are common, as noted by the Associated Press. Amor Mio, the police chief of Koronadal city, near the quake’s epicenter, stated that there were no reports of casualties, but officials were assessing damage to a shopping mall.
According to Teresito Bacolco, the director of PHIVOLCS, the earthquake lasted several seconds, and residents were advised to stay alert for aftershocks, Radio announcer Leny Aranego in General Santos city reported damaged walls and toppled computers.
Following the offshore quake, the Philippines’ seismology agency warned of potential damage and aftershocks.
Despite the quake’s intensity, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center stated that no tsunami was expected, and there were no immediate reports of casualties. Leny Aranego described the damage in General Santos city, where walls cracked, and computers fell.
Passengers at an airport in General Santos City were evacuated to the tarmac, and residents were urged to remain vigilant for aftershocks. The Philippines, located on the “Ring of Fire,” is susceptible to seismic activities, and earthquakes are a frequent occurrence.
The US Geological Service reported the quake’s depth at 78 kilometers and emphasized that no tsunami threat existed. Widespread impact was felt, with collapsed ceilings in a shopping mall and reports of panic and evacuations across the region.
The Philippines continues to grapple with the unpredictable nature of seismic events in the “Ring of Fire,” emphasizing the need for preparedness and resilience.
