MANILA: A strong earthquake struck near the Philippine city of Davao on Sunday, killing a child, damaging buildings and causing several injuries.
The magnitude 6.8 quake was centered 61 km southwest of Davao on the island of Mindanao, at a depth of 28.2 km, the U.S. Geological Survey said, revising down the magnitude from an earlier 6.9.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said there was no tsunami threat from the quake, based on available data.
Vincent Fernandez, the mayor of Matanao town in Davao del Sur province, near the epicenter, told local media outlet Radio DZMM that a six-year-old girl had died after a wall collapsed on her.
Fernandez said the extent of the damage was not yet clear but authorities needed food, water and tarpaulins and blankets to help residents.
READ MORE: Iran 5.9 magnitude earthquake kills 5 and injures 300
Anthony Allada, public information officer of nearby Magsaysay Town, said 14 people were injured but none seriously. Roads and buildings, including the local government office, were damaged and power was out in the town, he said.
The region was shaken by four powerful quakes in October and November, which together killed at least 20 people. “We don’t know what to do anymore. Do we respond first or attend to our families first?”, Allada told local media.
President Rodrigo Duterte was in the city when the quake struck. “He is ok. He and his daughter Kitty were in their house when the quake struck,” presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said. “First Lady Honeylet was on her way home when the ground trembled. She said her car was swaying. She is unhurt.”
READ MORE: 4.2-magnitude earthquake jolts Swat and adjoining areas
