30 aftershocks jolt southern Philippines after 6.3 magnitude quake

At least 34 aftershocks, ranging from 1.4 magnitude to 5.5 magnitude, continued to shake some parts of Mindanao island in the southern Philippines after a 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck North Cotabato province on Wednesday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

The institute said the inland quake, which struck at 7:37 p.m. local time, hit at a depth of 2 km, about 23 km southwest of Makilala, a town in North Cotabato province.

The quake, which was tectonic in origin, was also felt in Kidapawan City, Tupi in South Cotabato province, Alabel in Sarangani province, T'boli also in South Cotabato, General Santos City, Cagayan de Oro City, Gingoog City, Misamis Orietantal province, Dipolog City, Bislig City and Zamboanga City.

Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum said the tremor did not trigger a tsunami.

Local officials said they are gathering information if there are any casualties from the earthquake.

But residents of affected areas like General Santos City posted a video on social media showing mall goers panicking and screaming as they were rushing out of the shopping mall.

Another resident of Digos City in Davao del Sur province posted pictures showing crack in the walls of his school building and motorcycles knocked down by the powerful quake.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, who was at home with her children when the quake struck, said it was her first time to experience an earthquake that strong.

"It was my first time to experience a powerful quake with that intensity. The house was swaying and bouncing," said Duterte, daughter of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who lives in Davao City.

The city mayor said she has yet to receive reports of casualties or damages related to the tremor. Already, she said she had ordered local officials to reach out to the residents to address their concern.

She said the tremor caused power outages in some areas of the city. Otherwise, she said the city is "under control."