Strong Mw 6.3 Aftershock Jolts Davao Occidental and Sarangani Provinces Late Tuesday
Courtesy: PHIVOLCS
A strong magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck offshore Davao Occidental late Tuesday night, July 14, 2026, triggering widespread shaking across several provinces in the Soccsksargen and Davao regions.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that the tremor occurred at 11:49 PM. The epicenter was determined at 61 kilometers southwest of Balut Island, located within the municipality of Sarangani, Davao Occidental. The quake had a depth of focus of 55 kilometers.
Aftershock of Major June Quakes
State seismologists confirmed that the midnight tremor was an aftershock of the massive Mw 7.8 Offshore Sarangani and Mw 6.5 Offshore Davao Occidental earthquakes that rattled the region in June 2026. Local disaster risk reduction and management offices are continuing to monitor the area, as successive aftershocks are expected following disturbances of this scale.
Felt and Instrumental Intensities
The earthquake woke sleeping residents and caused varying levels of ground shaking across Mindanao.
According to PHIVOLCS, the highest reported ground shaking reached Intensity V (Strong) in Glan and Kiamba, Sarangani, as well as T'Boli, South Cotabato. Shaking at this level is generally felt by most people indoors and outdoors, causing hanging objects to swing violently and parked vehicles to rock.
Intensity IV (Moderately Strong) shaking was felt in:
- General Santos City
- City of Koronadal, Polomolok, and Tupi in South Cotabato
- Alabel, Maasim, Maitum, Malapatan, and Malungon in Sarangani
- Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat
Instrumental monitoring networks also captured Intensity IV vibrations as far as Digos City in Davao del Sur and Santa Maria in Davao Occidental.
Meanwhile, Intensity III (Weak) shaking was reported in parts of Basilan (Maluso), Sultan Kudarat, and other towns in South Cotabato. Distant areas, including Davao City, Kidapawan City, and Isabela City in Basilan, recorded a milder Intensity II sensation.
Situation and Safety
Local authorities in General Santos City and surrounding provinces are currently inspecting structural integrity, roads, and vital infrastructure for any signs of fresh damage. No immediate casualties or major infrastructural collapses have been reported as of Wednesday morning, but residents are urged to remain vigilant.
PHIVOLCS reminds the public to practice standard safety protocols—"Duck, Cover, and Hold"—during prolonged shaking, and to secure heavy furniture that could tip over during subsequent aftershocks.
Comments