20 Feb 2022 | 07:04 PM UTC
Philippines: Magnitude-5.6 offshore earthquake occurs south of Mindanao at around 02:29 PHST Feb. 21
Magnitude-5.6 offshore earthquake occurs south of Philippines at around 02:29 PHST Feb. 21. No immediate reports of damage or injuries.
Event
A magnitude-5.6 offshore earthquake occurred south of Mindanao at around 02:29 PHST Feb. 21. The epicenter was about 66 km (41 miles) southeast of Pondaguitan, Philippines. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 71 km (44 miles), and light shaking was probably felt in parts of southern Mindanao. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquake; significant damage is unlikely. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Aftershocks are likely over the coming days. The event has not prompted any tsunami advisories.
Officials may temporarily shut down transportation infrastructure in the tremor zone to check for damage. Minor disruptions could occur during shutdowns, but service will likely resume quickly if no damage is found. Utility outages are possible in areas that experienced shaking.
Advice
Out of an abundance of caution, consider vacating multistory buildings where shaking occurred until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Monitor and plan for aftershocks.
