August 3, 2024, 8:42 PM
August 3, 2024, 8:42 PM
A 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of the southern Philippines on Saturday (03.08.2024), the US Geological Survey said, but no tsunami warning was issued and there were no immediate reports of damage.
The shallow quake struck shortly before 6:30 a.m. (00:30 CET) about 20 kilometers (12 miles) off the town of Barcelona, east of Mindanao island, the USGS said.
Many people were reportedly sleeping when the strong tremor shook them out of their beds.
It did not trigger a tsunami warning, according to the U.S. Tsunami Warning System and the Philippine seismological agency.
The local seismological agency also said no damage was expected from the quake, but warned of aftershocks in the region.
In the municipality of Lingig, where Barcelona is located, local disaster manager Ian Onsing said he had been woken by the tremor.
They watch the coasts
“The tremor was quite strong. Things around were shaking. I guess the tremor lasted between 10 and 15 seconds,” Onsing told AFP by telephone.
“I don’t expect any further damage, but we will be back in the area around 8am to be sure,” he added.
“So far, no casualties or damage have been reported. We are now monitoring the coast in case of any sudden movement.”
In the municipality of Hinatuan, about 25 kilometres north of Barcelona, local disaster official Jerome Ramirez saw electrical appliances “moving for about 30 seconds” due to the strong tremors.
Ramirez said there had been no reports of injuries or damage in coastal communities in the area.
“Now we are just looking for possible aftershocks,” Ramirez told AFP by telephone.
