Another strong earthquake hits Mindanao – shallow M6.5, Philippines
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the PHIVOLCS as M6.5 hit Cotabato, Mindanao at 01:11 UTC (09:11 LT) on October 31, 2019, at a depth of 6 km (3.7 miles). Both EMSC and USGS are reporting M6.5 at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). The quake hit 48 hours after M6.6 in which 8 people lost their lives, 395 were injured and 2 remain missing.
The epicenter was located 1 km (0.6 miles) NE of Balatukan (population 4 305), 7.9 km (4.9 miles) SE of Makilala (population 13 829), 13.2 km (8.2 miles) SSE of Kidapawan (population 79 652), and 15.1 km (9.4 miles) NNW of Bansalan (population 21 391).
There are 8 670 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).
10 000 people are estimated to have felt very strong shaking, 1 434 000 strong, and 4 455 000 moderate.
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 construction.
Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides that might have contributed to losses.
According to NDRRMC Update released 06:00 PHT on October 31, 8 people have lost their lives after M6.6 on October 29. 395 people were injured and 2 remain missing.
As of 23:00 PHT on October 30, a total of 590 earthquakes were recorded, of which 282 were plotted and 86 were felt.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
Featured image credit: USGS
If you value what we do here, create your ad-free account and support our journalism.
Your support makes a difference
Dear valued reader,
We hope that our website has been a valuable resource for you.
The reality is that it takes a lot of time, effort, and resources to maintain and grow this website. We rely on the support of readers like you to keep providing high-quality content.
If you have found our website to be helpful, please consider making a contribution to help us continue to bring you the information you need. Your support means the world to us and helps us to keep doing what we love.
Support us by choosing your support level – Silver, Gold or Platinum. Other support options include Patreon pledges and sending us a one-off payment using PayPal.
Thank you for your consideration. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Teo Blašković
As I stated in the previous comment, more large M. earthquakes will take place and here we go. Earth has entered a stream of solar wind from large Coronal hole