A powerful 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of the Philippines on Saturday, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The tremor, which occurred at a depth of 101 kilometres beneath the ocean floor, was centred approximately 70 kilometres from the nearest area in Davao Occidental province.
Despite the strength of the quake, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or significant structural damage, and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology confirmed that there was no threat of a tsunami. This has provided reassurance to residents living along the vulnerable coastal communities, who have experienced devastating tsunamis in the past.
Provincial rescue officer Fuentes told Agence France-Presse that the shaking inside buildings lasted about five seconds, causing office desks and computers to sway. He added that while the tremors were noticeable, they were not strong enough to trigger widespread panic or evacuations.
Japan’s Kagoshima Prefecture Rocked by Series of Quakes, Experts Warn of Bigger Tremor
Meanwhile, Japan’s Kagoshima Prefecture is also experiencing heightened seismic activity. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported a 4.3-magnitude earthquake at 9:15 am local time on Saturday, centred near the Tokara Islands at a shallow depth of 20 kilometres.
Since 21 June, nearly 500 earthquakes have been recorded in the region, with Saturday alone seeing at least 14 separate quakes. Observatories on islands such as Akusekijima and Kodakara have reported shaking between intensity levels 1 and 3 on Japan’s seismic scale. Experts have cautioned that clusters of frequent small quakes may precede a larger, more destructive earthquake.
The Japan Meteorological Agency is urging residents in seismically active areas to secure furniture and maintain readiness for potential aftershocks, a standard precaution in Japan’s earthquake safety protocols.
No Injuries Reported, But Residents Urged to Stay Alert
While both the Philippines and Japan escaped major damage this time, authorities across Asia continue to remind citizens of the importance of natural disaster preparedness. Earthquake safety measures, such as securing heavy items, identifying safe spots within homes, and having emergency kits on hand, remain critical for communities in regions prone to frequent seismic activity.
With no tsunami alerts issued for either country, life is slowly returning to normal for residents, but officials emphasise the importance of remaining vigilant for possible aftershocks in the coming days.