Magnitude 5 earthquake jolts Davao Oriental

A magnitude 5.0 earthquake jolted the province of Davao Oriental on Wednesday morning, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
In its bulletin, the agency said the tremor occurred at 1:17 a.m. with its epicenter traced at 16 kilometers northeast of Cateel in Davao Oriental which also felt Intensity 4.
Phivolcs said that Bislig, Hinatuan and Barobo, Surigao del Sur felt the tremor at Intensity 4 while Intensity 3 felt in Lingig and Lianga, Surigao del Sur and Bislig, Surigao del Sur and. Meanwhile, Intensity 2 was felt in Cagayan de Oro City.
Phivolcs described an Intensity 4 tremor as moderately strong it felt generally by people indoors and by some people outdoors. Light sleepers are awakened.
It further noted that a vibration like the “passing of heavy truck. Hanging objects swing considerably. Dinner, plates, glasses, windows and doors rattle while floors and walls of wood framed buildings creak. Standing motor cars may rock slightly.
It added that liquids in containers are slightly disturbed. Water in containers oscillate strongly while rumbling sound may sometimes be heard.
The tremor, which was tectonic in origin, had a shallow depth of 102 kilometers.
Despite the reported intensity, the agency noted that there was no casualty nor damage reported from the quake.
However, the agency said that aftershocks are expected to hit the affected areas.
The Philippines lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where 20 to 25 earthquakes per day, mostly imperceptible, are common. (PNA)