A massive 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the southern Mindanao region of the Philippines today, raising fears of devastation in the region.
The earthquake struck off the coast of the Mindanao region at a depth of 10 km, the German GeoResearch Center said. Shallow earthquakes are more likely to cause damage to the Earth’s surface.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said a tsunami was not expected.
There were no immediate reports of casualties, but the quake was felt across much of the mountainous island. Mindanao is the second largest island in the Philippines and is home to approximately 26 million people.
The Philippine seismological agency said the quake lasted several seconds and advised residents to watch out for aftershocks and damage. A video shows a crane falling from the top of a building, while photos show the collapsed ceiling of a shopping center and the aftermath of a landslide.
Damage is visible on the ceiling of a shopping mall in the Philippines after a powerful earthquake hit a large region of the country on Friday
A landslide occurred today in Malapatan, Sarangani Province following the strong earthquake
Radio announcer Leny Aranego from General Santos town in South Cotabato said the powerful earthquake damaged walls and knocked over some of the agency’s computers.
“We saw the walls crack and computers crash,” Aranego told radio station DZRH.
Passengers at an airport in General Santos City were evacuated to the tarmac, said Michael Ricafort, who was about to board a plane to Manila when the quake struck.
“I think it was the strongest earthquake I have ever experienced,” Keeshia Leyran, 27, from Davao City, about 200 kilometers from the epicenter, told AFP.
“The people around me panicked and ran outside.”
Amor Mio, police chief in the nearby town of Koronadal, said there were no reports of injuries, but officers were checking a shopping center that was reportedly damaged.
“For their safety, the staff has been evacuated.” “According to the police on site, there was considerable damage, although we have not yet been able to determine the extent of it with certainty,” Mio said by telephone.
Teresito Bacolcol, director of PHIVOLCS, told DZRH Radio that the intensity of the earthquake was “devastating, so we should expect damage.”
There are hundreds of people here at the event, so to be honest I was more afraid of a stampede.”
The Philippines lies on the “Ring of Fire,” a volcanic belt around the Pacific Ocean that is prone to seismic activity.
A massive 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the southern Mindanao region of the Philippines today, raising fears of devastation in the region
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Elizabeth Cabrera is an author and journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a talent for staying up-to-date on the latest news and trends, Elizabeth is dedicated to delivering informative and engaging articles that keep readers informed on the latest developments.