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Strong and shallow M6.4 earthquake hits Mindanao, Philippines – 7 killed, 482 homes destroyed

mindanao-philippines-earthquake-october-16-2019

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.4 hit Mindanao, Philippines at 11:37 UTC (19:37 LT) on October 16, 2019. EMSC is reporting M6.3 at a depth of 20 km (12.4 miles). PHIVOLCS is reporting M6.3 at a depth of 15 km (9.3 miles).

The epicenter was located 5.6 km (3.4 miles) W of Magsaysay (population 16 592), 8.8 km (5.5 miles) W of Bansalan (population 21 391), 24.8 km (15.4 miles) W of Digos (population 116 122) and 43.9 km (27.3 miles) NE of Koronadal (population 125 502).

There are 7 950 000 people living within 100 km (65 miles).

121 000 people are estimated to have felt very strong shaking, 2 150 000 strong, 4 630 000 moderate and 11 613 000 light.

PHIVOLCS head said there were no immediate reports of serious damage. Residents are urged to check their homes for possible cracks and damage.

Aftershocks are possible.

YouTube video

YouTube video

The USGS issued a green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage.

Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are a mix of vulnerable and earthquake-resistant construction. The predominant vulnerable building types are unknown/miscellaneous types and heavy wood frame construction.

Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides that might have contributed to losses.

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Update

According to the NDRRMC, at least 7 people have been killed and 215 injured. 

As of October 22, more than 700 aftershocks were recorded. More than 25 000 people were affected; more than 8 000 are still displaced.

2 065 houses were damaged and 482 destroyed.

Featured image credit: USGS

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