A magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck the southern Philippines on Friday, killing one person, injuring at least 18, and damaging buildings, authorities said. The quake struck off Mindanao island at a depth of 60 km (37.3 miles) in an area prone to seismic activity.
Angel Dugaduga, a disaster response official in Glan near the epicenter, confirmed the death of one person and at least 18 others injured in the coastal town.
Reports indicate that the town’s municipal office building and gymnasium sustained damage, and electricity was knocked out by the tremors.
The Philippines, located in the ‘Ring of Fire’, a belt of volcanoes circling the Pacific Ocean, is prone to earthquakes. The Philippine seismology agency PHIVOLCS and the Pacific Tsunamic Warning Center have stated that a tsunami is not expected following the earthquake.
Amor Mio, the police chief of nearby Koronadal city, reported no casualties but said officials were still assessing a shopping mall reported to have been damaged.
PHIVOLCS director Teresito Bacolcol cautioned residents to be on alert for aftershocks as strong as magnitude 6.2 following the initial earthquake.
The strong tremors from the earthquake were felt in offices, malls, and the airport, causing extensive damage and evacuations.
The earthquake lasted several seconds, and residents are advised to remain vigilant for aftershocks. Radio announcer Leny Aranego in General Santos city, close to Glan, described how the tremors shook buildings and desks, causing walls to crack and computers to fall.
In response to the earthquake, passengers at General Santos City airport were evacuated to the tarmac.
As the affected regions continue to assess and recover from the impact of the earthquake, our thoughts are with those who have been injured and the families of those who have lost their lives.