Photo credit: Phivolcs

In a recent update by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the previously reported magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck Balut Island in Sarangani, Davao del Sur has been downgraded to magnitude 6.7. The earthquake occurred at approximately 4:48 a.m. on Tuesday, January 9.

Phivolcs recorded varying intensities in different areas:

Intensity IV: Glan, Malungon, and Kiamba, Sarangani

Intensity III: Tupi, Polomolok, T'boli, General Santos City, and Koronadal City, Sarangani

Intensity II: Maitum, Sarangani; Zamboanga City; Tampakan, Tantangan, Banga, Norala, Santo Niño, Surallah, and Lake Sebu, South Cotabato; Kidapawan City, Makilala, M'lang, Pigcawayan, Tulunan, and Kabacan, Cotabato; President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat

Intensity I: Cagayan de Oro City and Maasim, Sarangani; Arakan, Cotabato; Isulan, Sultan Kudarat

Phivolcs also mentioned that aftershocks are expected following the earthquake. Despite the intensity and aftershocks, there have been no reported damages as of the moment. Furthermore, Phivolcs assures the public that there is no destructive tsunami threat in any part of the country due to the quake.