A powerful magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck Davao Oriental on Friday morning, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported.
The tectonic quake hit 44 kilometers northeast of Manay town at 9:43 a.m., with a depth of 20 kilometers.
Phivolcs recorded Intensity V in Davao City, while Intensity IV was felt in Bislig, Surigao del Sur.
Intensity V was felt in Hinunangan (Southern Leyte), Gingoog City (Misamis Oriental), Nabunturan (Davao de Oro), Davao City, Santa Maria (Davao Occidental), Kidapawan City (Cotabato), Alabel and Malungon (Sarangani), Koronadal City and Tupi (South Cotabato).
Intensity IV – Cebu City; Sulat (Eastern Samar); Abuyog, Alangalang, Dulag, and Hilongos (Leyte); Hinundayan, Silago, and Sogod (Southern Leyte); Kalilangan, Malaybalay City, and San Fernando (Bukidnon); Cagayan de Oro City; Digos City, Magsaysay, and Matanao (Davao del Sur); M’lang and Magpet (Cotabato); Glan, Kiamba, Maitum, and Malapatan (Sarangani); Banga, Polomolok, and Tampakan (South Cotabato); General Santos City; Columbio and Palimbang (Sultan Kudarat); Cabadbaran City (Agusan del Norte); Surigao City (Surigao del Norte); and Bislig City (Surigao del Sur).
Phivolcs explained that reported intensities are based on human observations, while instrumental intensities are measured through sensors that detect ground acceleration.
The agency said aftershocks and possible damage are expected following the tremor.
Meanwhile, Phivolcs issued a tsunami warning, advising residents along the coasts of Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte, Leyte, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Davao Oriental to evacuate immediately to higher ground or move farther inland.
