A strong earthquake jolted the southern Philippines on Wednesday morning, sending tremors across several provinces. The seismic event caused concern among residents, many of whom still remember the destructive quakes that struck the same area just months prior.
Earthquake Details and Epicenter
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported that the tremor registered a magnitude of 6.4. It struck at 11:02 a.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. The agency pinpointed the quake's origin, stating the epicenter was located in the coastal town of Manay, Davao Oriental.
The tectonic activity occurred at a depth of 23 kilometers, classifying it as a shallow earthquake, which typically results in more intense shaking felt on the surface compared to deeper events.
Widespread Tremors Felt in Neighboring Provinces
The force of the quake was not confined to Davao Oriental. Reports confirmed that shaking was also felt in several nearby provinces, including:
- Surigao del Sur
- Agusan del Sur
- Leyte
This indicates a significant area of impact, affecting parts of both the Caraga and Eastern Visayas regions. Local disaster agencies were immediately activated to assess potential damage and respond to any emergencies.
A Region Still Recovering from Previous Seismic Events
This latest tremor adds to the seismic history of the area, which is still recovering from a major event in late 2025. In October 2025, twin earthquakes of magnitude 7.4 and 6.8 struck offshore of Manay, Davao Oriental. That powerful doublet event resulted in a tragic loss of life, with eight fatalities recorded.
The recurrence of significant quakes in this region underscores its high seismic hazard. It highlights the importance of continuous preparedness, strict building code implementation, and public awareness of earthquake safety protocols. Phivolcs and other monitoring agencies continue to observe the area for any aftershocks.
