A strong earthquake measuring 6.7 on the Richter scale rocked the seas off Mindanao, Philippines, on Wednesday morning, rattling nerves but mercifully sparing the region from disaster so far.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, the quake originated 47 km offshore from Manay town in Davao Oriental at 11:02 a.m., with a moderate depth of 42 km. Tremors rippled across the entire island, causing widespread alarm as people evacuated structures amid the violent shaking.

Thankfully, initial assessments reveal no casualties or extensive destruction. Disaster management units and law enforcement in the vicinity report all clear on injuries and severe damage.

Experts caution that aftershocks could follow, potentially uncovering weaknesses in buildings or infrastructure near ground zero. Continuous surveillance is underway to mitigate any emerging hazards.

The Philippines sits squarely in the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it one of the world’s most earthquake-prone nations. Tectonic movements here routinely trigger seismic events and eruptions.

Flashback to recent quakes: A 5.7 magnitude event struck 10 km deep on December 22 in nearby oceanic areas. October brought a far deadlier 6.9 shaker at just 5 km depth off Cebu, destroying homes, killing several, disrupting electricity, and necessitating a temporary tsunami warning that was later canceled.

With no major harm reported from today’s jolt, focus shifts to readiness. Communities are advised to secure homes, stock emergency kits, and heed official updates as seismologists track aftershock patterns in this ever-restless geological hotspot.