The epicenter of the powerful earthquake, according to the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-Phivolcs) was recorded in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.
The regional office of the Civil Defense in its report said it is still verifying casualty figures available, however, as of Sunday noontime, the agency only recorded the death of a female resident in Tagum.
Meanwhile, four persons were injured in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro and two individuals in Davao del Sur reportedly fainted.
OCD 11 recorded a total of 529 families or 2,647 individuals particularly in Davao Oriental who were affected by the strong tremor and were pre-emptively evacuated due to tsunami warning issued by Phivolcs.
However, all affected individuals have returned back to their respective houses.
The earthquake was earlier measured at magnitude 6.9 by the Phivolcs, but later elevated the magnitude to 7.4.
The powerful earthquake also damaged private and government facilities, including minor damages in some bridges in the region.
Davao del Norte had already announced Sunday the suspension of classes and work for both public and private effective Monday (Dec. 4) until further notice.
Davao City, and other areas in Davao de Oro and Davao Oriental also experienced power cuts , but restored shortly.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), meanwhile, reported that there are no damages observed at the airports it operates in Mindanao due to the strong tremor.
Initial report from CAAP Area 12 Manager Evangeline Daba said that only minor damages were incurred in Butuan, Surigao, Siargao, Tandag, and Bislig Airports.
CAAP Area 11 Manager Rex A. Obcena, on the other hand said that except for a few wall tiles that fell off in the international arrival elevator area, Davao International Airport (DIA) facilities did not incur serious damage.
Passengers and duty personnel are all safe and sound, Obcena said in a press statement issued Sunday afternoon.
The airports under Area 11 include Davao International airport, General Santos International Airport, Cotabato Airport, Allah Valley Airport, and Mati Airport.
He said the Quick Response Team of all other airports in Mindanao are continuously conducting runway and passenger terminal building inspections to ensure that possible damages are located and repaired accordingly.
Flight operations on both Area 11 and 12 airports are currently on normal status.
Evacuation area in Mati City. Photo from OCD 11
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