04 Dec 2023 By Know Muslim
The quake hit just before 4:00 AM local time (2000 GMT Sunday) at a depth of 30 kilometers (18 miles), some 72 kilometers northeast of Hinatuan municipality on Mindanao island. It was the latest in a series of strong earthquakes that have struck the region in recent days.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said there was no risk of a tsunami from the latest quake. However, the agency warned residents of the area to be on alert for aftershocks.
There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage from the quake. However, authorities were still assessing the situation.
The latest quake comes just days after a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck the same area on Saturday, December 2, 2023. That quake killed at least two people and injured several others. It also caused widespread damage to infrastructure.
The Philippines is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area of intense seismic activity. The country is struck by an average of 20 earthquakes per day, most of which are too small to be felt. However, the country is also prone to strong earthquakes that can cause significant damage and loss of life.
The latest series of earthquakes is a reminder of the Philippines' vulnerability to natural disasters. The country is also frequently hit by typhoons and floods.
The government of the Philippines is working to improve the country's disaster preparedness. However, there is still much that needs to be done to make the country more resilient to natural disasters.