Magnitude 6.8 quake hits Sarangani; 5 dead, P5.1M aid distributed

A magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck Sarangani, Davao Occidental on November 17, 2023.

As of Tuesday, November 21, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has recorded 113 aftershocks, with magnitudes ranging from 1.4 to 4.9, six of which were felt.

The initial earthquake affected 167 individuals or 34 families, resulting in at least five deaths and six injuries.

Damage was reported for 44 houses, eight homes, and 71 infrastructure sites.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development has distributed over P5.1 million in aid and 6,500 food packs.

PHIVOLCS Director Teresito Bacolcol stated that the Cotabato Trench caused the magnitude 6.8 quake, the same generator as the 1976 Moro Gulf earthquake.

Bacolcol reminded the public that earthquakes themselves do not kill, but the collapse of manmade structures can claim lives.