South-central Mindanao disaster council raises red alert after big earthquake

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 19) — The Soccsksargen Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) has placed the region under red alert following a magnitude 6.8 earthquake on Friday.

A red alert status means all disaster officials in the region must report to their headquarters 24/7.

A massive magnitude 6.8 earthquake shook the waters south of Sarangani bay in Davao Occidental on Friday afternoon, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said. It was initially pegged at magnitude 7.2. 

According to the Department of Agriculture-DRRM Operations Center, landslides caused by the earthquake blocked highways in Sarangani province, which hampered the delivery of agricultural products to major public markets.

Cracked pavements in fish landing sites in the town of Malapatan have also been observed.

The center also reported a total of 54 damaged fishing boats in General Santos City and Sarangani province.

"Aside from fisheries, there are no reported damage and losses yet in the agriculture commodities and infrastructures that could hinder the food supply system," the center said.

The DA Regional Building at the Prime Regional Government Center, Carpenter Hills, Koronadal City also showed traces of damage from the earthquake.

At least seven were reported dead, two were injured, and two are missing due to the earthquake.