2 strong quakes hit Davao Region

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 22) — Two strong earthquakes hit Davao Oriental and waters off Davao Occidental Saturday morning, seismologists reported.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), a magnitude 6.1 tectonic quake struck waters 275 kilometers away from Balut Island, Davao Occidental at 10:26 a.m. It had a depth of 33 km.

Phivolcs previously said the magnitude was 6.5 with a 66 km-depth before it downgraded the figures.

The agency also clarified that damages are no longer expected but aftershocks are still possible.

It recorded some intensities: Intensity III or "weak" shaking in Sarangani, Davao Occidental and Intensity I or "scarcely perceptible" tremors in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat.

Intensity III also means it may be felt by people indoors, especially on the upper floors of buildings. Meanwhile, under Intensity I, delicately balanced objects may be disturbed slightly, Phivolcs described.

Phivolcs also noted instrumental Intensity I in General Santos City.

The agency added there is no tsunami threat following the tremor.

A few hours earlier, Phivolcs also reported a magnitude 5.4 tectonic quake rocked Baganga, Davao Oriental at 4:43 a.m. with a depth of 119 km.

No damage to structures is expected.

Phivolcs said Intensity IV, characterized by "moderate" shaking felt generally indoors and by some people outdoors, was detected in Baganga and Caraga, Davao Oriental, and Maco in Davao de Oro.

Bislig City in Surigao del Sur also experienced Intensity III.

Meanwhile, instrumental Intensity was also recorded:

Intensity I (“scarcely perceptible” shaking) - Bislig City, Surigao del Sur

This story will be updated.