Massive 6.9 magnitude earthquake rattles Philippines

A 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck the Mindanao region in the southern Philippines on Friday, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

According to the German Geoscience Research Center (GFZ), the earthquake occurred at a depth of 60 kilometers (37.3 miles) off the coast of the Mindanao region, but the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said there was no threat of a tsunami.

JUST IN | A magnitude 7.2 earthquake jolts Sarangani, Davao Occidental at 4:14 p.m. on Friday (Nov. 17, 2023), according to Phivolcs. The quake was also felt in Davao City, as shown in the video. | via Che Palicte pic.twitter.com/Sim2pLbxAl

— Philippine News Agency (@pnagovph) November 17, 2023

The magnitude of the earthquake was previously reported to be between 7.2 and 6.9.

The country’s earthquake bureau reported that the quake lasted several seconds and warned local residents to be aware of aftershocks and damage, but there were no reports of injuries.

There were no reports of injuries, said Amor Mio, police chief in Koronadal town, near the epicenter of the quake.

However, authorities were investigating a shopping center that was reportedly damaged.

“Staff members were evacuated for safety reasons. Police at the scene said there was significant damage, but the exact extent is not yet known,” Mio said by phone.