Two Strong Earthquakes Shake Southeast of Balut Island
Two strong earthquakes struck the waters southeast of Balut Island early Saturday morning, shaking parts of Mindanao. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported the seismic events, confirming their tectonic origin and reassuring residents of no expected damage.
At 5:29 a.m., a magnitude 5.9 earthquake rattled the area 406 kilometers southeast of Balut Island, near Sarangani town in Davao Occidental. The quake’s focus was deep, located 115 kilometers beneath the earth’s surface. Local authorities and sources said no damage or aftershocks are expected.
Instrumental Intensities Recorded in Nearby Areas
The magnitude 5.9 tremor was felt with varying intensities across neighboring towns. Santo Niño in South Cotabato experienced intensity III shaking. Meanwhile, intensity II was recorded in Malungon, Sarangani, alongside the City of Koronadal, T’Boli, and Tupi in South Cotabato.
Less intense shaking, classified as intensity I, was felt in Alabel, Kiamba, and Glan, all in Sarangani, as well as in the City of General Santos. Local leaders noted that despite the tremors, daily activities continued without interruption.
Follow-Up Magnitude 4.8 Earthquake
Shortly after, at 6:55 a.m., a second quake measuring magnitude 4.8 struck 386 kilometers southeast of Balut Island. This tremor also originated tectonically, with a shallower depth of 60 kilometers. Phivolcs indicated no damage or aftershocks are anticipated from this event either.
As of this report, data on the specific intensities felt from the magnitude 4.8 earthquake remain unavailable. However, sources confirmed that residents in the nearby regions felt only minor shaking.
These sequential quakes highlight the ongoing seismic activity in the area southeast of Balut Island. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure public safety and provide timely updates.
For more news and updates on earthquakes, visit Filipinokami.com.
