Manila: An earthquake measuring 7.3 magnitude on the Richter scale struck Davao Oriental province in the southern Philippines on Thursday, according to authorities. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, the quake, which struck at 1.46 a.m. local time, hit at a depth of 69 km, about 67 km southeast of Governor Generoso town.

The earthquake, which was tectonic in origin, can trigger aftershocks and cause damage. The quake was also felt in South Cotabato province on Mindanao island, as well as Leyte province, the institute added. The tremors were felt at IV Modified Mercalli Intensity in the district, Priyo Budi, an official in charge at the meteorology and geophysics agency, as per reports.

Meanwhile, the jolts of the massive temblor were also strongly felt as far away as Talaud district of North Sulawesi province in Indonesia, triggering panic among residents. However, the agency did not issue a warning for a tsunami as the tremors did not potentially trigger giant waves, according to him. In Talaud district, the tremors forced many residents to rush outside their houses, said Habel Salombe, a resident in the district.

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