A magnitude 5.6 earthquake rattled the southern Philippines on Wednesday, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), with no immediate reports of damage or injuries.
The quake, which struck off the coast of the island of Mindanao, was recorded at a depth of 30 kilometers (18.6 miles). The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) identified the epicenter as approximately 43 kilometers southwest of Maitum, a town in a remote, mountainous area.
"It was strong but didn’t last long. We have checked but it was negative for damage or casualties," said Gilbert Rolifor, a local fire department official in Maitum.
The Philippines sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," a region known for frequent seismic and volcanic activity. Earthquakes are common, and while most are minor, the region remains at risk for powerful, unpredictable tremors.
Local authorities continue to monitor the area for aftershocks, but no further seismic activity has been reported as of Wednesday evening.
Source: Straits Times
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
