MANILA, March 4 — A magnitude 5.4 earthquake shook Matanao, Davao del Sur, on Tuesday, March 4, at 9:42 a.m., according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

In its initial bulletin, Phivolcs reported that the earthquake’s epicenter was located two kilometers south-southwest of Matanao at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers. The tremor was tectonic in origin, triggered by movements along fault lines due to the shifting of tectonic plates.

A magnitude 5.4 earthquake is considered moderate to strong, with the potential to be widely felt in affected areas. While generally not expected to cause severe damage, such tremors may still pose risks to infrastructure and residents.

Instrumental Intensity Reports

Phivolcs recorded various instrumental intensities across different locations in Mindanao. Instrumental intensities, derived from accelerometer data, may differ from felt intensities reported by residents.

Intensity 5 (Strong)

• Davao del Sur: Matanao, Magsaysay

Intensity 4 (Moderately Strong)

• Cotabato: Kidapawan City
• Sarangani: Malungon
• South Cotabato: Tampakan, Tupi

Intensity 3 (Weak)

• Cotabato: Magpet
• Davao City
• Davao del Sur
• General Santos City
• South Cotabato: Banga
• Sultan Kudarat: President Quirino, Columbio

Intensity 2 (Slightly Felt)

• Cotabato: Pikit
• Davao Occidental: Jose Abad Santos
• Sarangani: Kiamba
• South Cotabato: Surallah, Norala, Santo Niño, T’Boli
• Sultan Kudarat: Lambayong, Isulan

Intensity 1 (Scarcely Perceptible)

• Davao Occidental: Don Marcelino
• Davao de Oro: Nabunturan
• South Cotabato: Lake Sebu
• Sultan Kudarat: Esperanza, Kalamansig, Bagumbayan

Potential Aftershocks and Damage Assessment

Phivolcs has warned that aftershocks are possible in the affected regions, urging residents to remain vigilant. Authorities have yet to determine the full extent of any structural damage caused by the earthquake.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is currently conducting field assessments to evaluate the impact on communities. Local disaster response teams remain on high alert as reports continue to come in.

Residents are advised to follow safety protocols and stay updated through official channels for further announcements.

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