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