MANILA: A magnitude 5 earthquake hit Matanao, Davao del Sur, on Tuesday morning (March 4), with aftershocks expected, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
The earthquake was felt at 9:42 a.m. and struck 5 kilometres south-southwest of the municipality of Matanao, with a depth of focus of 15 km.
Based on the advisory of Phivolcs as of 10:32 a.m., reported intensities included Intensity 5 in Digos City, Magsaysay, Matanao and Bansalan in Davao del Sur.
On the other hand, Intensity 4 was felt in Hagonoy and Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur; Davao City; Kabacan, Kidapawan City and M’lang in Cotabato; Malungon, Sarangani; as well as Tampakan and Tupi in South Cotabato.
Meanwhile, Intensity 3 was recorded in Antipas, Arakan, Magpet, Matalam, President Roxas and Tulunan in Cotabato; Alabel, Glan and Malapatan in Sarangani; Banga, Koronadal City, Polomolok and Tantangan in South Cotabato; and General Santos City.
Residents of Jose Abad Santos in Davao Occidental; Libungan, Cotabato; and Norala, Surallah, Santo Nino and T’Boli in South Cotabato experienced Intensity 2, while those in Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental; Banisilan, Cotabato; and Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, felt Intensity 1.
Under Intensity 5, the shaking of an earthquake is described as “strong” and is “generally felt by most people indoors and outdoors,” according to the Earthquake Intensity Scale of Phivolcs.
The shaking is considered “moderately strong” under Intensity 4, with the vibration “felt like a passing of heavy truck.” The shaking is described as “weak” for Intensity 3, “slightly felt” with Intensity 2 and “scarcely perceptible” under Intensity 1. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
