A powerful magnitude 7.9 earthquake struck the waters off Manay, Davao Oriental at 9:43 AM on Friday, October 10, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
The tectonic quake, with a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, was located 62 kilometers southeast of Manay, a coastal town in Davao Oriental. Phivolcs initially recorded the tremor at magnitude 7.6 before upgrading it to 7.9.
Reported intensities showed Intensity V in Davao City, while Intensity IV was felt in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur.
Instrumental readings indicated Intensity V in Hinunangan (Southern Leyte); Gingoog City (Misamis Oriental); Nabunturan (Davao de Oro); Davao City; Santa Maria (Davao Occidental); Kidapawan City (Cotabato); Alabel and Malungon (Sarangani); Koronadal City and Tupi (South Cotabato).
Meanwhile, Intensity IV was recorded in Cebu City; Sulat (Eastern Samar); various towns in Leyte and Southern Leyte; parts of Bukidnon; Cagayan de Oro City; and areas in Davao del Sur, Cotabato, Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur.
Phivolcs said that damage and aftershocks are expected following the strong tremor.
As of now, no casualties or major damage have been reported.
The Philippines sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it highly prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity.