A tectonic earthquake with a magnitude of 4.6 shook parts of Surigao del Norte on Friday morning, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).
The quake, which was initially reported as magnitude 5.1 before being downgraded, struck at 8:44 a.m. with a depth of 10 kilometers. PHIVOLCS located the epicenter 8 kilometers north-northwest of the municipality of Burgos, a coastal town in the northern part of the province.
The agency said the earthquake was tectonic in origin, meaning it was caused by the movement of geological faults. The Philippines sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an area prone to frequent seismic activity due to the movement of tectonic plates.
No immediate reports of damage or injuries were recorded, but authorities reminded residents to remain cautious, as aftershocks may follow. Local disaster response teams in Surigao del Norte and nearby provinces were placed on alert to monitor any potential impact on infrastructure, especially in communities located near the epicenter.
PHIVOLCS noted that the relatively shallow depth of the tremor made it more likely to be felt by residents, though its moderate strength limited the risk of significant structural damage. The agency advised the public to stay vigilant and follow safety protocols in the event of aftershocks or stronger quakes in the future.
Surigao del Norte, part of the Caraga region in Mindanao, is no stranger to seismic activity. In February 2017, a powerful magnitude 6.7 earthquake hit the provincial capital of Surigao City, leaving several people dead, injuring more than a hundred, and causing widespread damage to infrastructure. Friday’s tremor, though weaker, served as a reminder of the region’s vulnerability to earthquakes.
Local officials in Burgos and surrounding towns reported that the quake was felt strongly enough to prompt some residents to briefly evacuate their homes and buildings. Social media users in the province also shared accounts of the ground shaking for several seconds, though no widespread panic was reported.
The Office of Civil Defense said it is closely coordinating with local governments in Surigao del Norte to assess any possible effects of the earthquake. Authorities also urged residents to check their homes and workplaces for structural cracks and to prepare emergency kits in case of future emergencies.
The Philippines experiences thousands of earthquakes every year, though most are too weak to be felt. However, seismologists continue to remind the public of the importance of preparedness, especially in regions like Mindanao that lie close to active fault lines.
