Magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck the southern Philippines on Friday, killing one person, injuring dozens and damaging buildings, authorities said.The epicenter of the quake was near the town of Glan in Sarangani province. The quake struck off Mindanao island at a depth of 60 km (37.3 miles), according to the German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ).
In a sudden and powerful event, the tranquil town of Glan,Sarangani in the Philippines was jolted by a 6.7-magnitude earthquake, leaving residents and authorities grappling with the aftermath. As the earth trembled beneath them, communities are now faced with the challenges of recovery and reconstruction. This seismic event serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable forces of nature and the importance of preparedness in the face of such calamities.
The magnitude 6.7 earthquake caused widespread damage, with reports of buildings collapsing and roads cracking. At least one person was killed and 18 others were injured.The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said that the earthquake was caused by the movement of two tectonic plates along the Philippine Fault Zone.
The country experiences an average of 20 earthquakes per day, most of which are too weak to be felt.The earthquake is the strongest to hit the Philippines this year. It follows a series of smaller quakes that have struck the country in recent months, including a magnitude 6.1 earthquake in August and a magnitude 5.4 earthquake in September.
Angel Dugaduga, a disaster response official in the coastal town of Glan near the epicentre, said at least one person died and 18 others were injured based on an initial report. The town’s municipal office building and gymnasium were also damaged from the quake and electricity had been knocked out by the tremor, Dugaduga added.
Earthquakes are common in the Philippines, which lies on the “Ring of Fire”, a belt of volcanoes circling the Pacific Ocean that is prone to seismic activity. The Philippine seismology agency PHIVOLCS and the Pacific Tsunamic Warning Center said a tsunami was not expected.
Amor Mio, police chief of nearby Koronadal city, said there were no reports of casualties but officials were checking a shopping mall reported to have been damaged. “The employees were ordered evacuated for their safety. According to police in the area, there was extensive damage but we could not ascertain definitely yet the extent,” Mio said by telephone. PHIVOLCS director Teresito Bacolcol told DZRH radio the earthquake’s intensity was “destructive, so we would expect damage”.
As the people of Glan Sarangani grapple with the aftermath of this seismic event, the collective response from local, national, and international entities showcases the strength of human solidarity in times of adversity. The path to recovery will be long and challenging, but with concerted efforts and a commitment to preparedness, the affected communities can rebuild and emerge stronger than before. The magnitude 6.7 earthquake in Glan Sarangani serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of our planet and the necessity of working together to navigate the challenges it presents.
