17/11/2023
7.2 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE HITS MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES
A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2 struck several provinces in Mindanao, Philippines today, November 17, 2023 at 4:14 PM. The epicenter of the earthquake was located 10 kilometers southeast of the town of Matanao in Davao del Sur province. The earthquake was felt in several other provinces in Mindanao, including Glan, Sarangani; General Santos City, South Cotabato; Maasim, Malapatan, Sarangani; Lake Sebu, Tampakan, Polomolok, Banga, South Cotabato; Kidapawan City, Cotabato; Magsaysay, Davao City, Davao del Sur; Don Marcelino, Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental; Kiamba, Maitum, Sarangani; Norala, Tantangan, South Cotabato; President Quirino, Lebak, Isulan, Esperanza, Columbio, Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat.
The earthquake was caused by the movement of the Philippine Plate along the Cotabato Trench. The Philippine Plate is moving westward at a rate of about 6 centimeters per year. This movement causes the plates to grind against each other, which can cause earthquakes.
The earthquake was felt strongly in several areas, including Glan, Sarangani; General Santos City, South Cotabato; Matanao, Davao del Sur; Maasim, Malapatan, Sarangani; Lake Sebu, Tampakan, Polomolok, Banga, South Cotabato; Kidapawan City, Cotabato; Magsaysay, Davao City, Davao del Sur; Don Marcelino, Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental; Kiamba, Maitum, Sarangani; Norala, Tantangan, South Cotabato; President Quirino, Lebak, Isulan, Esperanza, Columbio, Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat.
The earthquake has caused damage to some buildings and infrastructure in the affected areas. There have also been some reports of injuries.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) is currently assessing the damage caused by the earthquake. The agency is also monitoring the situation for any aftershocks.