Strong shallow dangerous earthquake in Mindanao, Philippines – 1 person injured, 143 houses destroyed and many more damaged

Last update: September 4, 2012 at 9:55 pm by By

Earthquake overview : Only a few days after the massive M7.6 earthquake  off the coast of the Philippine Islands, another very shallow earthquake occurred in Central Mindanao.
Tell us when you think you have felt this earthquake, especially if you live in MalayBalay, Valencia or one of the other towns near the epicenter.
Philippines-only earthquake list

Keep this page open to read more details when they become available
Most recent information on top – Start of the article at the bottom

Very Important update September 4 – 21:17 UTC
Unfortunately our predicted “dangerous” scenario became true as we based ourselves on previous damaging earthquakes in the same area at lower Magnitudes.
The Philippines Information Agency wrote on September 4 :
The quake caused landslips in five barangays namely, Mt. Nebo, Lilingayon, Guinoyuran, Lourdes and Tugaya, all in Valencia City.
Alejandro Larosa, executive director of Valencia City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) reported that based on the rapid damage assessment and needs analysis conducted before 12 noon of September 4, the quake left one person injured and a total of 143 houses destroyed.
The CDRRMC of Valencia, through the City Social Welfare and Development Office, are now distributing relief goods to affected families.
Labininay explained that though the quake is centered in Maramag, the neighboring city of Valencia was worst hit due to its soft and humid soil texture having vast ricefields and fishponds.
ER repeats that this earthquake has NO relation with the M7.6 earthquake from a couple of days ago. Those looking for a relation with the present earthquake have to read an article we have written about a damaging earthquake in the same area a couple of months ago.
Update a couple of hours later : As assessment goes on, the number of damaged homes is running into the hundreds.

Update 23:07 UTC :
Philstar writes : The quake was felt strongest in Musuan and Maramag towns at Intensity 5. It was felt at Intensity 4 in Valencia City in Bukidnon and Arakan in North Cotabato; Intensity 3 in Malaybalay City in Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City in Miramis Oriental and Kidapawan City; and Intensity 2 in Butuan and Cotabato cities.
Phivolcs reported that the quake was followed by another tremor, measuring magnitude 4.9 in the Richter scale, at 3:52 a.m. The epicenter was also traced on land, estimated at 15 kilometers northwest of Maramag town with a depth of three kilometers. The second quake was felt at Intensity 5 in Musuan and Maramag towns; Intensity 4 in Valencia City and Arakan, North Cotabato; Intensity 3 in Malaybalay City, Cagayan de Oro City and Kidapawan City; and Intensity 2 in Butuan and Cotabato cities.
The Phivolcs intensity scale is slightly different than the MMI scale. Philvolcs V means a strong shaking. The scale varies from 1 to X instead of 1 to XII for MMI, which means that Phivolcs V can be seen as VI MMI.

Update 21:35 UTC :
The expected shaking as calculated by USGS would be MMI VII (very strong shaking) for Mailag, Valencia and San Carlos, all together 91000 inhabitants. Valencia is a middle sized town counting a population of 83000 people.

Image courtesy USGS

Update 21:08 UTC :
Based on some I Have Felt It reports, people are seeing tonights shaking as aftershocks from the powerfull M7.6 earthquake from last week. We, at ER, cannot find any link to the mainshock and aftershocks from that massive earthquake.

Update 21:01 UTC :
The final outcome of this earthquake will depend upon the exact location of the epicenter. If close to Valencia (epicenter USGS), we are worried that damage may have been inflicted. Except for shaking damage, this area in the Phillipines is also vulnerable for landslides which can be even more dangerous than pure earthquake shaking.

Update 20:43 UTC :
This earthquake has NO direct relation to the M 7.6 with epicenter in the Philippine Island area. NO fear at all for a tsunami (Filipinos are very scared for eventual tsunamis). People not living near the dangerous subduction areas should understand that feeling an earthquake does not give a clue where the earthquake happened. It may have been a very powerful one far away which could trigger a tsunami. Better to be cautionous all the time and look in the internet to sites like USGS and ER and the local seismological agency for details.

Update 20:32 UTC :
PHIVOLCS, the Philippine seismological service reports as Magnitude of M5.8 at a depth of only 3 km. Philvolcs although does not expect any damage or injuries from this earthquake. The max. MMI Phivolcs is reporting is IV. This f-does however not change our opinion. We maintain our Orange unsure outcome. Phivolcs located the epicenter more to the west than USGS away from Valencia. It will take until the morning how Valencia and the immediate surrounding cities will wake up.

Image courtesy Phivolcs

A shallow depth earthquake occurred in the middle of the Philippines night. Earthquake-Report.com calls this earthquake moderately dangerous if the preliminary parameters (Magnitude and depth) are confirmed.  The epicenter was located at 3km (2mi) SW of Mailag, 5km (3mi) NNE of Valencia, Philippines and 14km (9mi) NE of Dologon, Philippines. We remeber an earthquake from last year near Valencia who has generated a lot of damage. In other words, we do not trust the good outcome of this earthquake as it is probably the same fault generating this earthquake.

Most important Earthquake Data:
Magnitude : Mw5.6 (USGS) and Mw5.8 (Phivolcs)
UTC Time : 2012-09-03 19:44:22 UTC
Local time at epicenter :
Depth (Hypocenter) : 9.8 km (USGS) and 3 km (Phivolcs)
Geo-location(s) :
3km (2mi) SW of Mailag, Philippines
5km (3mi) NNE of Valencia, Philippines
14km (9mi) NE of Dologon, Philippines
21km (13mi) S of Casisang, Philippines
40 km from Malaybalay (Phivolcs)
863km (536mi) SSE of Manila, Philippines

Links to important maps
USGS Did You Feel It Map
Google satellite map showing the epicenter and the surrounding area
Historic earthquakes map
Shaking map
Scientific parameters
Human impact map

Click here for examples of our “earthquake notifications (button below)”

SRC Location UTC Date/time M D INFORMATION
EMSC Philippine Islands Region Sep 03 22:18 PM 4.8 30 MAP I Felt It
GEOFON Philippine Islands Region Sep 03 22:18 PM 4.7 52 MAP I Felt It
USGS Philippine Islands Region Sep 03 22:18 PM 4.8 35 MAP I Felt It
EMSC Mindanao, Philippines Sep 03 19:52 PM 4.8 44 MAP I Felt It
GEOFON Mindanao, Philippines Sep 03 19:52 PM 4.8 37 MAP I Felt It
EMSC Mindanao, Philippines Sep 03 19:44 PM 5.6 10 MAP I Felt It
GEOFON Mindanao, Philippines Sep 03 19:44 PM 5.4 39 MAP I Felt It
PHIVOLCS Mindanao, Philippines Sep 03 19:44 PM 5.8 3 MAP I Felt It
  • CDO city, bon bon - Another one Just before 4am today!, woke me up so im not sure how long it lasted, but this time it scared my dog. Now waiting for Tusami? I live about 300 m from beach here.
  • Malaybalay city, Bukidnon - Their was an after shock here in my location, malaybalay city, bukidnon it shaken our big house thrice but my fiancee warned me to observed and listened to the signal of my puppies if they are acting weird before the shocked will occur. He accurately predicted it !
  • Cagayan de Oro City - Much weaker than the previous earthquake.
  • PHILIPPINES - dalawang beses nag earthquake
  • Cagayan de Oro City - It was weaker compared to the one last month. Perhaps it cause panick since most people are fast asleep & was awaken by the earthquake...
  • Maramag, Bukidnon - My husband and I woke to shaking of tables with computer on it at 3:48am and lasted for five to 6 minutes then at 3:55 am another one but slower one and shorter
  • Malaybalay City, Bukidnon - This was much stronger than the one that happened September 1, but it lasted just about 15 seconds. The other one lasted a minute or more.
  • CMU cmpd. Musuan, Bukidnon - it was more or less 3:45am I am waiting a bus for Davao, suddenly the ground was shaking for 3-4 second followed by series of aftershock, i saw electrical wires swinging, post tilting to & fro, decided to postpone the trip fearing of landslide along the way.
  • CMU cmpd. Musuan, Bukidnon - its more or less 3:45am, waiting for the bus for Davao, suddenly the ground was shaking, it was strong rocking, electrical wires swinging & post tilting to & fro. decided to postpone the trip fearing of landslide along the way.
  • Valencia Philippines - I stayed at the Dormitory then we wake up at 3:40am this morning(Sept.4,2012)because of the earthquake.My co-dormitory were running towards the exit, and some were shouting and some they felt scared.
  • Kalilangan, Bukidnon - Strong shaking but short. It's like someone kicked my bed. Followed by a lot of light aftershocks.
  • kiharong,maramag,bukidnon - last night till today @ 12:40pm.we still have earthquake shaking sometimes very weak,weak, light, moderate,strong,severe and violent. 3:38 a.m. there was a violent and severe shaking last lasted a few seconds
  • Tagum City Mindanao - it was very strong, the very strong earthquake i've ever experienced so far. i am from tagum city
  • CMU , musuan bukidnon - mga 3am yon nong natutlog ako sa b-house nang biglang lumindol nang sobrang lakas! natakot talaga kaming lahat.ang mga gamit namin hulog na ang mga baso at pingan namin na biak lahat at ang mga gamit ng landlady namin halos nasira pati na yung computer nila.until now may lindol parin dito. .kanina lang mga 8:00pm nag lindol nanaman pero di gaanong malakas. . akala nga namin popotok na yung musuan peak. . takot na takot na talaga kami. .pls kung sino man ang mkatotolong samin tolongan ninyo kami!
  • CMU , musuan maramag bukidnon - grabe ang lindol.wala pjud nag hunong ga lidol pjud dre sa CMU. MY GOSH takot na takot parin kami
    		•
    USGS Mindanao, Philippines Sep 03 19:44 PM 5.6 9 MAP I Felt It
    GEOFON Philippine Islands Region Sep 03 16:01 PM 4.7 36 MAP I Felt It
    GEOFON Philippine Islands Region Sep 03 10:02 AM 4.8 46 MAP I Felt It
    GEOFON Philippine Islands Region Sep 03 09:21 AM 4.7 38 MAP I Felt It
    USGS Philippine Islands Region Sep 03 09:21 AM 4.7 34 MAP I Felt It
    EMSC Philippine Islands Region Sep 03 09:21 AM 4.8 10 MAP I Felt It
    GEOFON Mindanao, Philippines Sep 03 08:49 AM 4.8 28 MAP I Felt It
    EMSC Moro Gulf, Mindanao, Philippines Sep 03 08:49 AM 5.0 10 MAP I Felt It
    USGS Moro Gulf, Mindanao, Philippines Sep 03 08:49 AM 4.9 11 MAP I Felt It
    EMSC Moro Gulf, Mindanao, Philippines Sep 03 06:49 AM 5.8 40 MAP I Felt It
    GEOFON Mindanao, Philippines Sep 03 06:49 AM 5.7 39 MAP I Felt It
    USGS Moro Gulf, Mindanao, Philippines Sep 03 06:49 AM 5.8 8 MAP I Felt It
  • Kabacan, North Cotabato, Philippines - i was just setting, surfing the net when suddenly i notice that my chair was moving. i thought it's just because i accidentally moved my chair.when i looked at the ceiling the bulb is swinging, so i had concluded it was an earthquake. also my board mate who were sleeping on the second floor of our boarding house felt the vibration of her bed that awaken her.
    		•
    USGS Philippine Islands Region Sep 03 04:20 AM 4.5 35 MAP I Felt It
    EMSC Philippine Islands Region Sep 03 04:20 AM 4.6 10 MAP I Felt It
    GEOFON Philippine Islands Region Sep 03 03:11 AM 5.0 56 MAP I Felt It
    EMSC Philippine Islands Region Sep 03 03:11 AM 5.0 40 MAP I Felt It
    USGS Philippine Islands Region Sep 03 03:11 AM 4.9 35 MAP I Felt It
    GEOFON Philippine Islands Region Sep 03 02:14 AM 5.1 44 MAP I Felt It
    EMSC Philippine Islands Region Sep 03 02:14 AM 5.1 52 MAP I Felt It
    USGS Philippine Islands Region Sep 03 02:14 AM 5.0 35 MAP I Felt It

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    SHARE YOUR EARTHQUAKE EXPERIENCE WITH US

    Enter Email (not compulsory)
    City/Village where you felt the earthquake
    MMI II (Very weak shaking) ?
    People :
    Felt by persons at rest, on upper floors or favorably placed.
    MMI III (Weak shaking) ?
    People :
    Felt indoors; hanging objects may swing, vibration similar to passing of light trucks, duration may be estimated, may not be recognized as an earthquake.
    MMI IV (Light shaking) ?
    People :
    Generally noticed indoors but not outside. Light sleepers may be awakened. Vibration may be likened to the passing of heavy traffic, or to the jolt of a heavy object falling or striking the building.
    Fittings :
    Doors and windows rattle. Glassware and crockery rattle. Liquids in open vessels may be slightly disturbed. Standing motorcars may rock.
    Structures :
    Walls and frames of buildings, and partitions and suspended ceilings in commercial buildings, may be heard to creak.
    MMI V (Moderate shaking) ?
    People :
    Generally felt outside, and by almost everyone indoors. Most sleepers awakened. A few people alarmed.
    Fittings :
    Small unstable objects are displaced or upset. Some glassware and crockery may be broken. Hanging pictures knock against the wall. Open doors may swing. Cupboard doors secured by magnetic catches may open. Pendulum clocks stop, start, or change rate.
    Structures :
    Some large display windows cracked. A few earthenware toilet fixtures cracked.
    MMI VI (Strong shaking) ?
    People Felt by all. People and animals alarmed. Many run outside. Difficulty experienced in walking steadily.
    Fittings :
    Objects fall from shelves. Pictures fall from walls. Some furniture moved on smooth floors, some unsecured free-standing fireplaces moved. Glassware and crockery broken. Very unstable furniture overturned. Small church and school bells ring. Appliances move on bench or table tops. Filing cabinets or "easy glide" drawers may open (or shut).
    Structures :
    Slight damage to buildings with low standard. Some stucco or cement plaster falls. Large display windows broken. Damage to a few weak domestic chimneys, some may fall.
    Environment :
    Trees and bushes shake, or are heard to rustle. Loose material may be dislodged from sloping ground, e.g. existing slides, talus slopes, shingle slides.
    MMI VII (Very strong shaking) ?
    People
    General alarm. Difficulty experienced in standing. Noticed by motorcar drivers who may stop.
    Fittings :
    Large bells ring. Furniture moves on smooth floors, may move on carpeted floors. Substantial damage to fragile contents of buildings.
    Structures :
    Unreinforced stone and brick walls cracked. Low standard buildings cracked with some minor masonry falls. A few instances of damage to buildings of ordinary workmanship. Unbraced parapets, unbraced brick gables, and architectural ornaments fall. Roofing tiles, especially ridge tiles may be dislodged. Many unreinforced domestic chimneys damaged, often falling from roof-line. Water tanks Type I burst. A few instances of damage to brick veneers and plaster or cement-based linings. Unrestrained water cylinders (hot-water cylinders) may move and leak. Some common windows cracked. Suspended ceilings damaged.
    Environment :
    Water made turbid by stirred up mud. Small slides such as falls of sand and gravel banks, and small rock-falls from steep slopes and cuttings. Instances of settlement of unconsolidated or wet, or weak soils. Some fine cracks appear in sloping ground. A few instances of liquefaction (i.e. small water and sand ejections).
    MMI VIII (Severe shaking) ?
    People Alarm may approach panic. Steering of motorcars greatly affected. Structures : Low standard buildings heavily damaged, some collapse. ordinary workmanship buildings damaged, some with partial collapse. Reinforced masonry or concrete buildings damaged in some cases. A few instances of damage to buildings and bridges designed and built to resist earthquakes. Monuments and pre-1976 elevated tanks and factory stacks twisted or brought down. Some pre-1965 infill masonry panels damaged. A few post-1980 brick veneers damaged. Decayed timber piles of houses damaged. Houses not secured to foundations may move. Most unreinforced domestic chimneys damaged, some below roof-line, many brought down. Environment : Cracks appear on steep slopes and in wet ground. Small to moderate slides in roadside cuttings and unsupported excavations. Small water and sand ejections and localized lateral spreading adjacent to streams, canals, lakes, etc.
    MMI IX (Violent shaking) ?
    Structures Many low standard buildings destroyed. Ordinary workmanship buildings heavily damaged, some collapse. Reinforced masonry or concrete buildings damaged, some with partial collapse. Buildings and bridges designed and built to resist earthquakes damaged in some cases, some with flexible frames seriously damaged. Damage or permanent distortion to some buildings and bridges, designed and built to normal use standards. Houses not secured to foundations shifted off. Brick veneers fall and expose frames. Environment : Cracking of ground conspicuous. Landsliding general on steep slopes. Liquefaction effects intensified and more widespread, with large lateral spreading and flow sliding adjacent to streams, canals, lakes, etc.
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