Philippines: Damages reported on Mindanao following earthquake October 31 /update 5

Event

Damage assessments are ongoing throughout central and southern Mindanao after a 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck approximately 9 km (6 mi) east of Kisante (Cotabato) around 09:11 (local time) on Thursday, October 31. Tremors with “destructive” Intensity VII shaking were recorded in Tulunan (Cotabato), Kidapawan City, Santa Cruz, Matanao, Bansalan, and Magsaysay. In Kidapawan, portions of Eva’s Hotel collapsed, causing officials to evacuate the building and a neighboring hotel. The area around the hotels have been cordoned off as a precaution. Rescue operations are also ongoing at the Ecoland 4000 condominium in Davao City after the first two floors collapsed. As of Thursday morning, no casualties have been confirmed. However, further details are expected to be released in the coming hours as recovery operations continue.

Aftershocks or further earthquakes are possible in the coming hours and days.

Context

Recovery operations are still ongoing after a 6.6-magnitude earthquake struck about 25 km (15 mi) northeast of Tulunan on Tuesday, October 29, killing at least seven people. The earthquake triggered several landslides, collapsed buildings, and downed power lines in some areas.

Advice

Individuals in the affected area are advised to monitor the situation and prepare for potential aftershocks.

In the event of aftershocks, individuals are advised to protect themselves as much as possible from falling debris if indoors (e.g. under a table), move away from the windows, and not attempt to leave a building unless there is an immediate danger. If outdoors, move away from tall buildings, utility wires, and streetlights.