A 6.8-magnitude earthquake occurred off the coast of the southern Philippines on Saturday, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). However, no tsunami warning was issued and there were no immediate reports of damage. The shallow earthquake struck just before 6.30am (2230 GMT), approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the village of Barcelona on the east of Mindanao island, as stated by the USGS. It did not trigger a tsunami alert, according to both the US Tsunami Warning System and the Philippine seismological agency. The local seismological agency also indicated that no damage was anticipated from the earthquake, but warned of potential aftershocks.
In Lingig municipality, where Barcelona is situated, local disaster officer Ian Onsing reported being awakened by the shaking. "The shaking was quite strong. The things around here were moving. I estimate the shaking lasted around 10-15 seconds," Onsing told AFP via telephone. "I'm not expecting any further damages, but we will巡视 the area again around 8.00am just to be sure," he added. "So far, there are no reported casualties or damages. We are currently monitoring the shores for any unusual movement."
Earthquakes frequently occur in the Philippines, which is located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area of intense seismic and volcanic activity that extends from Japan through Southeast Asia and across the Pacific basin. Most of these earthquakes are too weak to be felt by humans, but strong and destructive quakes occur unpredictably, with no technology currently available to predict their timing and location. In December, a 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck off Mindanao, briefly triggering a tsunami warning. This caused residents along the east coast of the island to evacuate buildings, including a hospital, and seek higher ground. At least three people died as a result.
