LOOK: 7.2-Magnitude Earthquake Leaves GenSan Malls in Wreck
A temporary closure has been announced.
(SPOT.ph) A magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck off the coast of Davao Occidental late afternoon November 17, leaving many establishments destroyed. At least one mall, SM City, has announced their temporary closure for safety reasons and to deal with the effects.
7.2-magnitude earthquake hits Davao Occidental
"To ensure safety of customers, tenants, and employees, the mall is temporarily closed to allow us to do a thorough inspection of the building," read the statement of SM City in General Santos City. Davao Today reports that mall-goers were hit by falling debris, with pictures of folks being given aid outside of the building.
In its update, Phivolcs downgraded the magnitude to 6.8 from its initial 7.2 report. The tremor was also felt in other provinces, in varying intensities.
Intensity VI - Kiamba, SARANGANI; Polomolok, SOUTH COTABATO; CITY OF GENERAL SANTOS
Intensity V - Pantukan, DAVAO DE ORO; City of Tagum, DAVAO DEL NORTE; Jose Abad Santos, DAVAO OCCIDENTAL; Alabel, Maasim, and Malungon, SARANGANI; Banga, Lake Sebu, Tampakan, and Tupi, SOUTH COTABATO; City of
Tacurong, SULTAN KUDARAT
Intensity IV - CITY OF ZAMBOANGA; Magsaysay, DAVAO DEL SUR; CITY OF DAVAO; Banisilan, Kabacan, and City of Kidapawan, COTABATO; Malapatan, SARANGANI; City of Koronadal, Norala, and Santo Niño, SOUTH COTABATO;
Bagumbayan, Kalamansig, Lebak, Lutayan, President Quirino, and Senator Ninoy Aquino, SULTAN KUDARAT; City of Bislig, and Hinatuan, SURIGAO DEL SUR; Datu Odin Sinsuat, MAGUINDANAO; CITY OF COTABATO
Intensity III - Kalilangan, BUKIDNON; Laak, and Nabunturan, DAVAO DE ORO; Aleosan, Antipas, M'lang, Magpet, and Pigkawayan, COTABATO; City of Isabela, BASILAN; Jolo, SULU
Intensity II - Don Carlos, and San Fernando, BUKIDNON; Maco, and New Bataan, DAVAO DE ORO; Carmen, COTABATO
Intensity I - Cabanglasan, Dangcagan, Libona, Malitbog, Manolo Fortich, Maramag, Talakag, and City of Valencia, BUKIDNON; Mambajao, CAMIGUIN; Balingasag, and Villanueva, MISAMIS ORIENTAL
All around social media, pictures and clips of the earthquake's damages, as well as the tremors in action, have circulated. The ceiling can be seen caved in at Robinsons GenSan.
The earthquake's epicenter was off of Sarangani. Phivolcs registered it at 4:14 p.m. No tsunami threat locally was issued.
Status of Airports affected by 6.8 magnitude earthquake in Davao Occidental
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) reported the status of its airports located near the magnitude 6.8 earthquake in Davao Occidental which occurred at 04:14 PM today, 17 November 2023.
Per General Santos Airport Manager Joel Gavina, the terminal building of General Santos Airport sustained some minor damages. Hairline cracks were noted on some of the airport’s columns. The airport’s control tower was able to facilitate the departure of two commercial flights. Fortunately, all passengers and employees are safe and accounted for. No injuries were reported.
Meanwhile, Davao International Airport, Cotabato Airport, and Mati Airport reported no damages in its facilities as reported by Davao Airport Area Manager Engr. Rex Obcena to CAAP Director General Capt. Manuel Antonio Tamayo.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck Davao Occidental and other parts of Mindanao this afternoon. Sarangani was also affected by the quake.
CAAP Operations Center and Airport Safety Officers, as well as airport engineers are continuously monitoring the status of the airports in view of possible aftershocks.