By Ma. Cristina Arayata  

Epicenter of the quake (Image from Phivolcs)

MANILA (Philippines News Agency)– A magnitude 5.1 earthquake jolted Davao Occidental and nearby provinces early Wednesday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported.

The tectonic quake struck 118 km. southeast of the municipality of Jose Abad Santos at 4:08 a.m. and had a depth of 91 km.

Phivolcs said aftershocks are expected from the quake.

Instrumental Intensity I was recorded in General Santos City and Koronadal City in South Cotabato; and Alabel and Kiamba in Sarangani.

Instrumental intensity is measured using an intensity meter that measures ground acceleration.

Meanwhile, Phivolcs said it is not expecting damage from the quake.

Damage starts at Intensity VI, based on Phivolcs’ scale. (PNA)