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The southern Philippine cities of Davao and Mati were reportedly jolted by an Intensive 5 quake at 3.16pm on Saturday, September 8. Image Credit: Twitter / Tupo Emmy Lou

Manila: Residents of Davao City scampered towards safer ground, rushing out of buildings and malls following a powerful earthquake the rocked the southern Philippine city.

A magnitude-6.4 quake jolted Davao Oriental at 3.16pm on Saturday, Philippine volcanologists said.

At 3:54 pm, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) posted a bulletin stating that damage is expected — as well as aftershocks.

People exit through a hallway damaged by an earthquake in Davao City, Mindanao, Philippines September 8, 2018 in this picture obtained from social media.  Gardo Dagondon/via Reuters 

Initial reports show shattered glass windows that came off buildings. Tweeps also posted cracked walls and ceiling panels coming off.

Phivolcs reported the quake was tectonic in origin, which struck at 3:16 p.m. and has a depth of 13 kilometers.

Its epicenter was located 26 km southeast of Manay town.

The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) recorded the epicentre at 104 km east of Davao, Philippines at 3.16pm; 48 km north-east of Mati, Philippines (population: 106,000) and 4 km north of the town of Manay (population: 20,400).

Intensity 5 — a strong shaking and rocking and may cause hanging objects to swing violently — was felt in the cities of Davao and Mati.

A building at the Ateneo de Davao University was reportedly damaged following the quake, while mall-goers in Davao City were instructed by authorities to evacuate.

Intensity 4, which may feel like the passing of a heavy truck and may cause hanging objects to swing considerably, was felt in Koronadal and Bislig cities.

Intensity 3, which may feel like vibration from the passing of a light truck, was felt in Tupi town in South Cotabato, and Alabel, Glan and Malapatan towns in Sarangani.

Intensity 2, which can cause hanging objects to swing slightly, was felt in Cotabato City, General Santos City, Valencia City, Gingoog City in Misamis Oriental, and Maramag town in Bukidnon.

 

Intensity 1, which can slightly disturb delicately balanced objects, was felt in Cagayan de Oro City.

 

The following instrumental intensities, meanwhile, were reported in these areas:
Intensity 3 - Alabel, Sarangani; Tupi, South Cotabato; Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental
Intensity 2 - Bislig City; Kidapawan City;
Intensity 1 - General Santos City; Cagayan de Oro City

Phivolcs said damage and aftershocks are expected.