A significant earthquake measuring magnitude 4.8 struck near Bogo City in Cebu province on Saturday afternoon, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.
Earthquake Details and Epicenter Location
The seismic event occurred at 3:38 PM on Saturday, November 15, 2025, with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) quickly issuing an official bulletin about the tremor. The earthquake's epicenter was located northwest of Bogo City, at a relatively shallow depth of 10 kilometers, which can often make ground shaking more noticeable to residents.
Intensity Measurements Across Regions
Phivolcs recorded varying instrumental intensities across multiple provinces following the earthquake. The highest intensity, Intensity III, was reported in two Leyte municipalities: Villaba and Isabel. This level of intensity typically causes noticeable shaking of indoor items and may be felt by most people indoors.
Several other areas recorded Intensity I, including additional locations in Leyte province, Carigara in Leyte, Kawayan in Biliran province, and Talibon in Bohol. Intensity I represents the weakest level of shaking that can be felt by people, often described as a slight vibration similar to the passing of a light truck.
Regional Seismic Activity Context
The Philippines experiences frequent seismic activity due to its position along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where several tectonic plates meet. Earthquakes of magnitude 4.8 are considered light to moderate and rarely cause significant damage, though they serve as important reminders for residents to maintain earthquake preparedness.
Local disaster risk reduction management offices in the affected areas typically conduct rapid assessment following such events to check for any potential impacts on infrastructure or communities. No immediate reports of damage or injuries have been associated with this seismic event at this time.
