6-magnitude earthquake strikes southern Philippines past midnight

July 28, 2020 — Residents were awaken from their sleep at around 1:30 in the morning when an earthquake with a 6.0 magnitude struck, with its epicenter located at a municipality named Bayabas in Surigao del Sur. It is located in the eastern part of Mindanao.

The quake which is tectonic in origin has a depth of 65 kilometers. Intensity 4 was recorded in nearby cities and municipalities including Bislig City. While Intensity 3 was recorded in Surigao City. The quake was also felt even in cities which are hundreds of kilometers away from the epicenter.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) are advising the public to expect more aftershocks and significant damage.

Late last year, major areas in North Cotabato also suffered a series of 6-magnitude earthquakes which left families displaced from their homes.

World Vision is monitoring the situation especially that families are still reeling from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is a developing story.