Magnitudes 4.9, 5.0 quakes hit Davao Occidental – Phivolcs

December 23 ------ Two earthquakes with magnitudes 4.9 and 5.0 struck off the coast of Davao Occidental on Wednesday evening, Dec. 22. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the 4.9- and 5.0-magnitude earthquakes occurred eight minutes apart–at 8:19 p.m. and 8:27 p.m., respectively.

The epicenter of the first quake was traced 367 kilometers (km) southeast of Balut Island, Sarangani, Davao Occidental, while the second one originated 369 km southeast of Balut Island. There were no reported intensities from these earthquakes but Phivolcs said aftershocks may occur. Phivolcs added that the earthquakes were tectonic in origin, which means they were caused by the movement of an active fault near the area.

Source: mb.com.ph