Magnitude 7.2 quake hits Sarangani, causes 5 deaths

A magnitude 7.2 earthquake, tectonic in nature, struck Sarangani, Davao Occidental on Friday afternoon, November 17, at 4:14 p.m.

The earthquake's epicenter was located about 28 kilometers southwest of Sarangani, Davao Occidental, with an estimated depth of 63 kilometers.

Phivolcs initially reported the earthquake as magnitude 6.8 but revised it to 7.2, and stated it was likely generated by the Cotabato Trench.

The tremor was felt at Intensity VII (Destructive) in Glan, Sarangani, where landslides and liquefaction were observed.

The earthquake caused at least five deaths and triggered panic in parts of Mindanao, with weaker intensities felt across Mindanao and other parts of the country.

Phivolcs stated that damage and aftershocks are expected, and that Davao Occidental and nearby provinces are situated in one of the seismically active regions in the country.

While there is no destructive tsunami threat, unusual sea level disturbances may be observed along coasts near the epicenter.