ANOTHER strong earthquake, this time a magnitude 6.5, rocked some parts of Mindanao, causing panic among residents who were seen dashing out of homes and buildings, some of which collapsed as the ground shook.

The 6.5-magnitude tremor struck at 9:11 a.m. Thursday, October 31, just two days after the magnitude 6.6 that also hit Tulunan in North Cotabato.

The epicenter this time was located 28 kilometers northeast of Tulunan.

The quake had a depth of only six kilometers.

The quake was felt at intensity 7 in Tulunan, Cotabato; Kidapawan City; Sta. Cruz, Matanao, Bansalan and Magsaysay, Davao del Sur; intensity 6 in Tampakan, South Cotabato; intensity 5 in General Santos City; Tupi, South Cotabato; and Isulan, Sultan Kudarat; and Intensity 4 in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat.

Other areas where the quake was felt are the following:

• Instrumental Intensity 7 -- Kidapawan City

• Instrumental Intensity 5 -- Malungon, Sarangani; Tupi, South Cotabato

• Instrumental Intensity 4 -- Kiamba and Alabel,Sarangani; Koronadal City; General Santos City

• Instrumental Intensity 3 -- Gingoog City; Cagayan De Oro City

Two weeks ago, Tulunan was also rocked by a 6.3-magnitude tremor that killed seven people.

Aftershocks and damage to properties are expected, said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). (SunStar Philippines)