Strong and shallow M6.6 earthquake hits Mindanao, Philippines

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the PHIVOLCS as M6.6 hit Mindanao, Philippines at 01:04 UTC (09:04 PHT) on October 29, 2019. The agency is reporting a depth of 7 km (4.3 miles). USGS is reporting M6.6 at a depth of 15.3 km (9.5 miles); EMSC M6.6 at a depth of 20 km (12.4 miles).

The epicenter was located 14.3 km (8.9 miles) E of Bual (population 4 742), 16.3 km (10.1 miles) WNW of Magsaysay (population 16 592), 17.8 km (11.1 miles) SSW of Makilala (population 13 829), 19.2 km (11.9 miles) W of Bansalan (population 21 391), and 39.5 km (24.5 miles) NNE of Koronadal (population 125 502).

494 000 people are estimated to have felt very strong shaking, 2 379 000 strong, 5 508 000 moderate and 10 854 000 light.

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 reinforced concrete and unknown/miscellaneous types of construction.

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

The quake knocked out power in some areas and forced people out of their homes and buildings.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte suspended school classes to allow authorities to inspect buildings for possible damage.

Significant structural damage has been reported.

At least 2 people have been killed.

The quake hit just 13 days after shallow M6.4 hit the same region, killing 7 people and injuring 215. More than 25 000 people were affected, 2 065 houses were damaged and 482 destroyed.

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: USGS