Strong 6.1 Magnitude Earthquake Jolts Mindanao Island
A powerful 6.1-magnitude earthquake shook the southern Philippines’ Mindanao Island early Friday morning, breaking the calm of the day and sending people rushing out of their homes in panic. Within seconds, walls trembled, electric poles swayed, and hundreds of residents ran for safety.
According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) and the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake’s epicentre was recorded near the municipality of Dapa in Surigao del Norte province, at a depth of around 69 kilometres, around 7 a.m. local time. Both institutions confirmed that the quake was deep and its energy spread across a wide area — but since it struck beneath the sea, no immediate tsunami threat was reported.
Tremors Felt Suddenly and Intensely
Local official Ralph Cadalena said the shaking was “sudden and very strong, but lasted only a few seconds.” He added that people rushed out of their houses in fear, but the situation gradually returned to normal.
So far, there have been no reports of major casualties or severe damage, though cracks appeared in several school and hospital buildings. Parts of Surigao also experienced power outages, with repair crews and local authorities working to restore supply.
Cadalena further stated that relief agencies have been placed on alert, and residents have been urged to stay away from coastal areas. Authorities continue to monitor for any aftershocks or possible oceanic disturbances.
Another Quake Shakes Mindanao
This latest tremor is part of an ongoing seismic sequence that has repeatedly rattled the southern Philippines in recent weeks.
Just a week earlier, on 10 October, Mindanao was hit by two powerful earthquakes of magnitude 7.4 and 6.8, which proved devastating. At least eight people lost their lives, and around 845,000 people were affected. Several areas witnessed landslides, and precautionary tsunami alerts were issued along the coast.
Residents say dozens of smaller quakes have been felt since then. Friday’s 6.1-magnitude tremor is believed to be an aftershock of that earlier sequence — a possibility that scientists have not ruled out.
Epicentre Recorded Near the “Philippine Trench”
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that the quake struck near the active fault zone known as the “Philippine Trench.” The two powerful quakes last week also originated from the same region.
This time, the tremor was centred on the eastern section of the trench, close to General Luna and Bucas Grande islands. The agency said the quake may have been triggered by stress accumulated from the previous events.
PHIVOLCS has not issued any tsunami warning so far but has urged residents to remain alert and avoid returning to coastal areas or structurally weak buildings for the time being.
Why the Philippines Experiences Frequent Earthquakes
The Philippines lies within the Pacific “Ring of Fire” — one of the world’s most active seismic and volcanic belts.
The Ring of Fire is a massive zone where tectonic plates continuously shift and collide. Beneath the Philippines, the Philippine Sea Plate is colliding with the Eurasian Plate, generating immense underground stress that is periodically released as earthquakes.
Experts say that minor tremors occur almost daily in this region, though most go unnoticed because they strike deep below the surface. However, when a quake reaches a magnitude of 6 or above, it is strongly felt and can cause significant damage.
Relief Agencies on Alert, Residents Move to Open Grounds
Following the quake, local authorities in Surigao, Davao, and Butuan City deployed emergency response teams. Helpline numbers have been activated, and volunteers from the Fire Department and Red Cross are on standby with relief supplies.
In some areas, residents have set up temporary tents and are preparing to spend the night in open fields or school compounds. Videos and photos circulating on social media show people gathering in streets and open areas, checking on one another.
One resident, Maria Teresa, told local media, “We are still living in fear. When the big quake hit last time, the walls of our house cracked. Today’s tremor brought back those terrifying memories.”
Current Situation and Government Response
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said no major damage or casualties have been confirmed so far, but assessment and surveys are ongoing.
Structural cracks have been found in some schools and health centres in northern Surigao, which have been temporarily closed. Efforts to restore electricity and stabilise communication networks are underway.
Authorities have warned that aftershocks may continue over the next 24 hours. Residents have been advised to remain cautious and contact nearby relief centres in case of emergencies.
Fear Among Residents, but Life Slowly Returning to Normal
Though the quake lasted only a few moments, its psychological impact was profound. Shops and markets remained closed for several hours, and traffic slowed in many areas.
By afternoon, however, normal activities began to resume. Officials have directed all public services to be restored and ordered surveys of affected regions.
Scientists say the likelihood of a major aftershock is currently low, but the region remains under “heightened alert” for now.
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