Advertisement

Magnitude 6.6 aftershock causes panic in southern Philippines day after quake kills 2

  • The latest earthquake, one of several strong aftershocks felt since late Saturday, hit at a depth of 56km, northeast of Hinatuan municipality on Mindanao island
  • It was the same area where residents had fled to higher ground the night before following a magnitude 7.6 quake

Reading Time:2 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
Patients and locals rest outside a hospital in Butuan city in the Philippines early Sunday after tremors struck off the coast of Mindanao island, causing a tsunami alert. Photo: EPA

A magnitude 6.6 earthquake hit the southern Philippines on Sunday, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said, a day after an even more powerful quake in the same region killed two people and triggered a tsunami alert.

The latest earthquake – one of several strong aftershocks felt in the region since late Saturday – hit at around 6:36pm (1036 GMT) at a depth of 56km (35 miles) northeast of Hinatuan municipality on Mindanao island.

It was the same area where residents had fled to higher ground the night before following a magnitude 7.6 quake.

Advertisement

At least two people were killed and several were injured after that quake, authorities said. It was followed by five major aftershocks of magnitudes exceeding 6.0 through Sunday, according to the USGS.

Patients at Manuel J. Santos Hospital in Butuan City, southern Philippines, are evacuated after a powerful earthquake struck early Sunday, prompting many villagers to flee their homes in panic. Photo: AP
Patients at Manuel J. Santos Hospital in Butuan City, southern Philippines, are evacuated after a powerful earthquake struck early Sunday, prompting many villagers to flee their homes in panic. Photo: AP

Hinatuan police Staff Sergeant Joseph Lambo said Sunday evening’s quake sent people rushing out of their homes again.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x