A magnitude 6.3 earthquake rocked North Cotabato and parts of Mindanao on 16th, prompting evacuation and suspension of classes.
There were no immediate reports of injuries or major damage in the tectonic quake that had a shallow depth of eight kilometers. It was centered 22 kilometers southeast of Tulunan town in North Cotabato and struck at 7:37 p.m., the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said in its updated report.
The earthquake was felt at Intensity 7 in Kidapawan City, as well as in Tulunan and M’Lang towns in North Cotabato. Philvolcs classifies the scale as "destructive" as it could overturn heavy objects or cause considerable damage to old or poorly-built structures. A number of aftershocks have been reported, including one with a magnitude 5.5 that rattled Sultan Kudarat at 8:09 p.m.
Reported damage from the quake includes a bridge in Valencia, Bukidnon, which remains passable only to light vehicles. Cor Jesu College in Digos, Davao del Sur also suffered cracked walls, with debris strewn on the floor. Fire also reportedly broke out at the Gaisano Mall in General Santos City.
Classes in all levels in Kidapawan City are meanwhile suspended on Thursday following the tremor, which is seen as the strongest earthquake to hit the area in recent years.
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio also announced the suspension of classes in all levels on Thursday, urging school officials to conduct safety inspections immediately.
Phivolcs said there are no tsunami threats or warnings after the earthquake.
