Magnitude 7.1 Earthquake Rocks Davao Occidental

A powerful earthquake struck Davao Occidental on Thursday night, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said, warning that aftershocks would follow.

The magnitude 7.1 tremor struck 231 kilometers northeast of the town of Jose Abad Santos at around 8:23 p.m., Phivolcs said. There were no immediate reports of damage.

Jay Bolanio, a resident of Davao City, said the earthquake started mild at first but quickly became stronger he and his family decided they had to get out of their house. No damage has been incurred, he said. Here is a video courtesy of Bolanio: 

Phivolcs also allayed fears of a possible tsunami, said no such threat exists based on available data.

"No destructive tsunami threat exists based on available data," it said.

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Intensity V, which can cause hanging objects to swing violently was felt in General Santos City. Intensity IV -- where vibrations feel like the passing of a heavy truck was felt in  Davao City.

Intensity II which can cause hanging objects to swing slightly was also felt in Bislig City, Surigao Del Sur.

The following instrumental intensities were meanwhile recorded in these areas:

Intensity V - Kiamba, Sarangani
Intensity IV - City of General Santos; Alabel, Sarangani; Koronadal City, South Cotabato
Intensity III - City of Kidapawan City of Bislig, Surigao del Sur; City of Gingoog, Misamis Oriental
Intensity II - City of Cagayan de Oro; City of Surigao, Surigao del Norte; City of Borongan, Eastern Samar
Intensity I - City of Catbalogan, Samar

Here is another video of the earthquake from another Davao resident that reportr is sharing with permission: