An earthquake measuring 6.7 magnitude which struck near Mindanao Island in the southern Philippines has left at least 4 people dead and over 120 others injured, authorities have confirmed.
An earthquake measuring 6.7 magnitude which struck near Mindanao Island in the southern Philippines has left at least 4 people dead and over 120 others injured, authorities have confirmed.
The strongest quake to hit the city since 1879, the epicenter of Friday's earthquake occurred at a depth of 10km (6 miles) and about 13km (8 miles) east of the city of Surigao, located on the northeast of Mindanao, according to Reuters.
Almost 100 aftershocks followed with tremors felt in a number of nearby areas, including the Philippines’ second city, Cebu City, and Talisay City.
No tsunami warning was issued, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Officials are continuing to assess the damage in Surigao city and neighbouring towns and villages. An elementary school in Surigao del Norte province reportedly collapsed and a bridge was also damaged in the quake, AP reported.
Buildings were heavily cracked with windows smashed, causing debris to fall onto cars below.
"Rescuers pulled out a man pinned by a collapsed wall in his house but he died and was no longer brought to a hospital," provincial disaster-response official Gilbert Gonzales said.
A number of roads were also severely cracked as was a runway in Surigao Airport forcing it to close temporarily. The port in Lipata district was also closed as a precaution.
Australia’s Official Bureau of Meteorology issued a statement Friday stating there was “no tsunami threat to the Australian mainland, islands or territories.”