Series of 4.4 to 5.3 quakes jolts waters off Davao Occidental

A series of moderate earthquakes ranging from magnitude 4.4 to 5.3 struck the waters off Davao Occidental early Sunday, 15 February, according to PHIVOLCS.

The strongest tremor, magnitude 5.3, was recorded at 1:22 a.m. It was located 217 kilometers south 70° east of Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, at a depth of 52 kilometers.

Less than half an hour later, at 1:51 a.m., a magnitude 4.8 quake was monitored 41 kilometers south 52° east of Jose Abad Santos, with a depth of 55 kilometers.

Another tremor, magnitude 4.4, occurred at 3:29 a.m., located 447 kilometers south 64° east of Sarangani Island in Davao Occidental. It had a depth of 35 kilometers.

Initial information indicated the earthquakes were tectonic in origin. No tsunami warning was issued in connection with the series of tremors.

As of posting time, there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties from local authorities.

The Philippines lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where seismic activity is frequent due to the movement of major tectonic plates.