Magnitude 6.7 earthquake rocks southern Philippines

Introduction

On Friday, November 17, 2023, a powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.7 struck the southern Philippine region of Mindanao, causing damage to buildings and infrastructure, but no reports of casualties so far. The quake occurred at 10:32 a.m. local time (0232 GMT), about 16 kilometres (10 miles) southe-astuy of General Santos City, at a depth of 15 kilometres (9 miles), according to the German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ) 1. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) measured the quake at a slightly higher magnitude of 6.8 and warned of possible aftershocks and damage ². The tremor was felt in several provinces in Mindanao, including Davao, Cotabato, Sarangani, and South Cotabato, where residents were advised to stay alert and avoid structures that may have been weakened by the quake ². Some people evacuated shopping malls, schools, and offices in panic, while others posted photos and videos of the quake on social media.

Background

The Philippines is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a zone of frequent seismic activity due to the collision of tectonic plates. The country experiences an average of 20 earthquakes per day, most of them not felt ³. However, some of them are strong enough to cause significant damage and loss of lives. In February 2017, a magnitude 6.7 earthquake hit Surigao City in Mindanao, killing eight people and injuring more than 200 ⁴. In October 2019, a series of strong quakes rocked Cotabato province in Mindanao, killing at least 22 people and displacing thousands ⁵. These earthquakes also triggered landslides, power outages, and water shortages in the affected areas.

Effects

The magnitude 6.7 earthquake that struck Mindanao on November 17, 2023, was tectonic in origin and caused by the movement of a local fault ¹². The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said a tsunami was not expected from the quake ¹. However, the quake still caused considerable damage to the infrastructure and properties in the region. Amor Mio, police chief of Koronadal city, near the quake’s epicenter, said there were no reports of casualties but officials were checking a shopping mall reported to have been damaged ¹. He added that some power lines and water pipes were also affected by the quake ². The quake also disrupted the communication and transportation systems in some areas, making it difficult for the authorities and the relief agencies to assess the situation and provide assistance. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said it was coordinating with the local government units and the military to conduct rapid damage assessment and needs analysis ⁶.

Response

The Philippine government and the international community have expressed their solidarity and support to the victims of the earthquake. President Rodrigo Duterte, who hails from Davao City, said he would visit the quake-hit areas as soon as possible and assured the public that the government would provide all the necessary assistance. He also appealed to the people to remain calm and cooperate with the authorities. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said it had prepositioned relief goods and personnel in the region and was ready to augment the resources of the local government units. The Department of Health (DOH) said it had deployed medical teams and supplies to the affected areas and was monitoring the health situation. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said it had mobilized its personnel and equipment to clear the roads and bridges and restore the public services. The United Nations and its humanitarian partners said they were in contact with the government and were ready to provide support if requested. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said it had activated its disaster response teams and was working with the Philippine Red Cross to deliver aid and services to the affected communities.

Conclusion

The magnitude 6.7 earthquake that hit Mindanao on November 17, 2023, was one of the strongest quakes to hit the region in recent years. It caused damage to the infrastructure and properties, but fortunately, no fatalities were reported. The quake also highlighted the vulnerability of the Philippines to natural disasters and the need for disaster preparedness and resilience. The government and the humanitarian agencies have responded swiftly and effectively to the emergency and have provided relief and assistance to the affected population. The people of Mindanao have also shown their courage and solidarity in the face of adversity and have helped each other cope with the aftermath of the quake.