A moderate earthquake struck off the southeastern coast of the Philippines on Monday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported.

The quake, which registered a magnitude of 5.8, occurred at 11:35 GMT at a shallow depth of about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). According to the USGS, the epicenter was located approximately 103 kilometers (64 miles) east of the town of Manay in Davao Oriental province, Mindanao Island.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) measured the tremor at a slightly lower magnitude of 5.7 but confirmed the same general location. PHIVOLCS said the quake was tectonic in origin, and that no tsunami alert had been issued.

Local authorities reported that there were no immediate signs of structural damage or casualties in Davao Oriental and neighboring provinces. However, residents in several coastal communities reported feeling strong shaking that lasted several seconds.

Disaster response units across Mindanao were placed on alert to monitor potential aftershocks, which are common following moderate seismic events in the region.

The Philippines lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a zone of intense seismic and volcanic activity where several tectonic plates converge. The archipelago experiences hundreds of earthquakes every year, though most are too weak to cause damage.

Officials reminded the public to remain cautious and to review earthquake safety measures as aftershocks may still occur in the coming hours. (ILKHA)