MANILA: A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck off the southern coast of the Philippines on Wednesday, causing panic among residents but leaving no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The earthquake occurred at 12:14 pm local time (0414 GMT) and was centered about 32 kilometres southwest of Sarangani Island, a small island province in the southern Philippines. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said the quake struck at a depth of approximately 62 kilometres and confirmed that no tsunami warning was issued.
Residents on Sarangani Island said the tremor was strongly felt, sending people rushing out of buildings in fear.
Local rescuer Harly Sauro told AFP that the earthquake struck while hundreds of residents had gathered at a local court to receive government financial assistance.
“The shaking was quite strong. I saw people in panic. They were running and shouting,” Sauro said.
He added that despite the panic, everyone was safely evacuated and no injuries were immediately reported.
“The earthquake came while the local government was distributing financial subsidies, so there were many people at the venue, but everyone is safe,” he said.
Based on initial assessments by local authorities, officials do not expect major structural damage or casualties.
Wednesday’s earthquake comes less than two months after a powerful June 8 earthquake devastated parts of nearby Mindanao, killing at least 76 people, damaging buildings, and triggering landslides.
That earlier earthquake was caused by movement along the Cotabato Trench, which lifted sections of the seabed by nearly two metres, exposing coral reefs and causing damage to marine ecosystems.
The Philippines is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries because it lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for intense seismic and volcanic activity. Earthquakes occur frequently across the archipelago, although most are too weak to cause significant damage.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation for possible aftershocks while urging residents in affected areas to remain alert and follow local emergency advisories.
