Magnitude 6.7 quake jolts Davao Occidental

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 9) — A magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Sarangani, Davao Occidental early Tuesday morning, state seismologists reported.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported that the quake of tectonic origin hit 183 kilometers (km) southeast of Balut Island at 4:48 a.m. It had a depth of 94 km.

While there is no risk of a tsunami from this quake, Phivolcs warned aftershocks are expected.

The tremor was initially pegged at magnitude 7.1 and near the coast of Sarangani Island.

Intensity IV, characterized by moderately strong shaking, was felt in Glan, Malungon, and Kiamba, and Sarangani.

Intensity III or weak trembling was experienced in General Santos City; Koronadal City; Tupi, Polomolok, And T'boli in South Cotabato; Alabel and Malapatan in Sarangani; and Matalam, Cotabato.

Intensity II or slightly felt vibrations were recorded in Tampakan, Tantangan, Banga, Norala, Santo Niño, Surallah, and Lake Sebu in

South Cotabato; City Of Zamboanga; Maitum, Sarangani; City Of Kidapwan,

Makilala, M'lang, Pigcawayan, Tulunan, and Kabacan in Cotabato; and President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat.

Intensity I or scarcely perceptible tremors in Cagayan de Oro City, Sarangani, Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat.

Phivolcs is not expecting any damage from this quake. There were no casualties immediately reported.