6.3-magnitude earthquake hits off southern Philippines: USGS

A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck off the southern Philippines on Wednesday, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake occurred 32km southwest of the small island of Sarangani. It did not trigger a tsunami warning and there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. Upon hearing the tremor, Harly Sauro, a rescuer with Sarangani Island, reported that the shaking was strong and people panicked, running and shouting.

He added that the quake occurred while a large number of people gathered to receive a government subsidy, but everyone is safe based on the assessment of local rescuers. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center placed the quake at a depth of 62km. This event follows a powerful June 8 tremor that caused damage and fatalities on the nearby island of Mindanao. Earthquakes are frequent in the Philippines, located on the Pacific "Ring of Fire".