Did the Philippines Downgrade the 6.2 Magnitude Earthquake in Southern Manila?
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Synopsis
The Philippines has adjusted the magnitude of a recent earthquake in Surigao del Norte from 6.2 to 6. Despite the downgrade, the tremor caused concern due to its depth and potential for aftershocks. Read on to discover the latest seismic activity in this disaster-prone archipelago.
Key Takeaways
- The magnitude of the earthquake was downgraded from 6.2 to 6.
- The quake struck at a depth of 28 km.
- Aftershocks are anticipated following the initial tremor.
- No casualties or significant damage have been reported yet.
- The Philippines is prone to natural disasters due to its geographic location.
Manila, Oct 17 (NationPress) The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has revised the magnitude of an offshore earthquake that impacted Surigao del Norte province in the southern Philippines on October 13, adjusting it from 6.2 to 6.
According to the latest seismic report, the quake occurred at 7:03 a.m. local time (2303 GMT), originating at a depth of 28 km, situated approximately 13 km southeast of the municipality of General Luna in the Mindanao region.
The institute indicated that this tectonic earthquake might lead to aftershocks and potential significant destruction.
The tremor was perceived in surrounding provinces across the Mindanao region and the central Philippines. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of casualties or structural damage.
This quake is the most recent in a series of powerful seismic events that have shaken the archipelagic Philippines. On September 30, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Bogo City and adjacent areas in Cebu province, resulting in 76 fatalities, as reported by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
Additionally, twin offshore earthquakes measuring 7.4 and 6.8 jolted Davao Oriental province in the southern Philippines on October 10, claiming eight lives.
A magnitude 6.0 earthquake also occurred near Bogo, Cebu, in the early hours of October 13, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Since then, the archipelago has experienced magnitude 4 and 5 earthquakes, causing landslides and displacing thousands of residents.
The Philippines frequently encounters seismic activities due to its positioning along the Pacific "Ring of Fire".
As one of the most disaster-prone nations globally, the Philippines is located within the "typhoon belt" and along the Pacific Ring of Fire, rendering it susceptible to various catastrophic events such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and typhoons.
The tectonic plates continuously shift, but they tend to become stuck at their edges due to friction. When the stress on the edge surpasses the friction, an earthquake occurs, releasing energy in waves that traverse through the earth's crust, leading to the shaking that we experience.
Point of View
It is crucial to report that the Philippines remains highly vulnerable to seismic activities. The recent downgrade of the earthquake magnitude serves to highlight the ongoing seismic threats faced by the nation. Our priority is to ensure that the public remains informed about such natural events and the potential consequences they may entail.
NationPress
17/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the original magnitude of the earthquake?
The earthquake was initially reported with a magnitude of 6.2.
Where did the earthquake occur?
The earthquake occurred offshore in Surigao del Norte province in the southern Philippines.
Were there any casualties reported?
Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage following the earthquake.
