Strong M6.1 earthquake hits Mindanao, Philippines
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 struck near Union, Mindanao, Philippines at 23:03 UTC on October 16, 2025 (07:03 LT, October 17). The agency is reporting a depth of 69 km (42.9 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.1 at a depth of 59 km (36.6 miles). There is no tsunami threat from this earthquake.
Epicenter of M6.1 earthquake in Union, Philippines on October 16, 2025. Credit: TW/SAM, Google
The epicenter was located 0.1 km (0.1 miles) WSW of Union (population 2 368), 57 km (35 miles) ENE of Placer (population 10 443), 67 km (42 miles) E of Surigao (population 87 832), 76 km (47 miles) N of Tandag (population 29 011), and 109 km (68 miles) NE of Butuan (population 309 709), Caraga, Philippines.
281 000 people are estimated to have felt moderate shaking, 4 602 000 light, and 4 893 000 weak.
There is no tsunami threat from this earthquake.
The USGS issued a Green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage. Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are a mix of vulnerable and earthquake-resistant construction. The predominant vulnerable building types are miscellaneous and heavy wood frame construction.
Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards, such as landslides, that might have contributed to losses.
Liquefaction triggered by this earthquake is estimated to be limited in extent. The number of people living in areas susceptible to liquefaction is relatively small. Landslides triggered by this event are not expected.
Since late September 2025, the Philippines has experienced a sequence of strong and damaging earthquakes affecting multiple regions, particularly the Visayas and Mindanao.
The most destructive in this recent sequence was the M7.4 earthquake off the east coast of Mindanao on October 10, which left at least 9 people dead and more than 900 injured. The quake occurred at a depth of around 58 km (36 miles), generating strong shaking across Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, and Davao Oriental. According to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC), a tsunami warning was briefly issued but later canceled.
Just hours later, a strong M6.7 aftershock struck the same region, followed by additional significant aftershocks, including a M6.0 near Aras-asan, Mindanao, on October 11. The USGS reports these as part of an ongoing aftershock sequence from the main M7.4 event.
A powerful M6.9 earthquake hit Cebu and Leyte on September 30, killing at least 69 people and injuring over 200. The quake caused widespread structural damage across central Philippines, triggering landslides and transport disruptions throughout Leyte and Cebu provinces.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
References:
1 M6.1 earthquake Union, Philippines — USGS — October 16, 2025
2 M6.1 earthquake Mindanao, Philippines — EMSC — October 16, 2025
I'm a dedicated researcher, journalist, and editor at The Watchers. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, I specialize in hard science news, focusing on extreme weather, seismic and volcanic activity, space weather, and astronomy, including near-Earth objects and planetary defense strategies. You can reach me at teo /at/ watchers.news.
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules.