6.8 magnitude earthquake shook Philippines

A magnitude-6.8 quake shook the southern Philippines on Sunday afternoon, resulting in insignificant injuries and uproars of panic, but there were no immediate records of deaths, officials stated.

The United States Geological Survey said the tremor’s epicentre was in the nearby town named Magsaysay situated in the populated region of Davao del Sur on Mindanao isle. A second earthquake, a magnitude-5.7, happened not long after.

The first tremor was the third of magnitude 6.5 or higher to hit the area, southwest of Davao City, since late October. Those two earlier quakes, which thumped over three days, as well as two others in October and November, left more than 20 people dead.

Because of its location on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippines is prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions caused by the movement of tectonic plates.

As per the Philippine Information Agency, some purchasers and workers are assumed to be stuck inside a crumpled store in the town.

“It was so powerful; the house trembled and swung. We quickly hurried out,” stated Aldrin Tumanda, a hotel worker in the city. “It felt as stimulating the past shocks.”

As per Aldrin, people residing in his neighbouring communities rushed out of their homes and returned after the quake was gone.