Magnitude 6.1 earthquake jolts waters near Balut Island

A magnitude 6.1 earthquake, tectonic in origin, struck the waters near Balut Island in Sarangani, Davao Occidental on Wednesday morning.

The tremor occurred at 10:48 a.m. with its epicenter located 413 kilometers southeast of Balut Island and a depth of 173 kilometers.

Phivolcs initially reported the magnitude as 5.8 but later revised it to 6.1.

The agency is not expecting any aftershocks or property damage from this tremor.

This seismic event follows a powerful magnitude 6.8 earthquake that hit Davao Occidental last Friday, resulting in nine fatalities and widespread damage.

The previous earthquake affected over 16,000 individuals, damaged 1,705 houses, caused mall ceiling collapses, and damaged infrastructure.

In response to the earlier strong quake, face-to-face classes in Sarangani have been suspended until November 24.