A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck the southern Philippines shaking parts of Mindanao but causing no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage, according to authorities.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said the quake hit near Dapa municipality in Surigao del Norte province at a depth of 69 kilometers (43 miles). The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) later recorded it as magnitude 6.2, a slight variation in measurement.
Local officials reported that the shaking was sudden and strong but short-lived. Residents in nearby towns, including General Luna, Surigao City, and parts of Southern Leyte, felt tremors at Intensity 4 on the local scale strong enough to rattle windows and light fixtures but not cause structural damage.
Phivolcs noted that aftershocks are expected, though no tsunami warning was issued.
“We felt a strong jolt for a few seconds, but there was no panic or visible damage,” said a provincial rescuer in Dapa. “People quickly returned to normal after ensuring their safety.”
The quake follows a series of strong tremors that have rattled the country in recent weeks. Just last week, magnitude 7.4 and 6.7 earthquakes struck off the eastern coast of Mindanao, killing several people and damaging homes and infrastructure. Earlier this month, a 6.9-magnitude quake in central Philippines left dozens dead and hundreds injured.
Situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippines is among the world’s most disaster-prone nations, frequently experiencing earthquakes and volcanic eruptions due to its position on multiple active fault lines.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation and assess remote areas for potential damage.
