On November 17, a powerful earthquake struck off the coast of Mindanao in the Philippines, resulting in at least one death, 18 injuries, and damage to several buildings.
According to Reuters, the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) reported that the earthquake measured 6.7 in magnitude and occurred at a depth of 60 km offshore from Mindanao, the second-largest island in the Philippines.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center have indicated that there is no tsunami threat.
Teresito Bacolcol, director of PHIVOLCS, stated that the earthquake lasted for several seconds and warned residents to be cautious of aftershocks, which may be as strong as 6.2 in magnitude.
Initial reports from disaster response officials in the coastal town of Glan, near the epicenter, confirmed at least one death and 18 injuries due to the earthquake.
A shopping mall in General Santos City was damaged after the 6.7 magnitude earthquake rocked southern Philippines on November 17 – (Photo: AFP).
Additionally, office buildings and gyms in the town were also damaged due to the earthquake, and the area experienced a power outage.
In the nearby city of Koronadal, Police Chief Amor Mio reported no casualties but noted significant damage, although the extent of the damage has yet to be accurately assessed.
Broadcaster Leny Aranego in General Santos City, close to Glan, reported that the earthquake shook buildings and desks. “We saw walls cracking and computers falling,” he stated.
At General Santos Airport, passengers were reportedly evacuated to the runway.
