MANILA, Philippines — Aftershocks are expected following a magnitude 5.0 earthquake off Davao Oriental past midnight on Wednesday.
In a 7 a.m. advisory, state seismology agency Phivolcs said the tectonic quake, recorded at 1: 17 a.m., struck 16 kilometers northeast of Cateel town and had a shallow depth of 102 kilometers.
Cateel in Davao Oriental, as well as Bislig, Hinatuan and Barobo towns in Surigao del Sur experienced Intensity 4 tremors. Phivolcs described an Intensity 4 shaking as moderately strong, felt generally by people indoors and by some people outdoors. This could also awaken light sleepers.
Intensity 3 shakes were also felt in Lingig and Lianga in Surigao del Sur.
The quake also jolted residents of Cagayan de Oro City and Valencia, Bukidnon with Intensity 2 movements.
Despite the reported intensity, the agency noted that there was no casualty nor damage reported from the quake.
The Philippines lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where 20 to 25 earthquakes per day, mostly imperceptible, usually occur. — Camille Diola