Strong M6.5 earthquake hits Mindanao, Philippines
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.5 hit Mindanao, Philippines at 11:34 UTC (19:34 LT) on June 26, 2026. The agency is reporting a depth of 52.4 km (32.6 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth. According to PTWC, there is no tsunami threat from this earthquake.
Epicenter of M6.5 earthquake in Mindanao, Philippines on June 26, 2026. Credit: TW/SAM, Google
The epicenter was located 35 km (22 miles) SW of Balangonan (population 2 329), 54 km (33 miles) S of Glan (population 24 256), 72 km (44 miles) SSW of Malapatan (population 19 439), and 79 km (49 miles) SSW of Lun Pequeño (population 11 541).
64 000 people are estimated to have felt strong shaking, 1.5 million moderate, and 6.9 million light.
Based on all available data, there is no tsunami threat from this earthquake, PTWC said.
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 unknown/miscellaneous types and heavy wood frame construction.
Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides that might have contributed to losses.
The epicenter of this earthquake is located close to the source area of the devastating M7.8 earthquake that struck off southern Mindanao on June 8 and is part of the ongoing elevated seismic activity affecting the region.
The mainshock killed at least 61 people, injured more than 1 400, and damaged or destroyed about 53 000 homes across southern Mindanao. Tsunami waves up to 1 m (3.3 feet) were recorded along parts of the coast, while widespread landslides, infrastructure damage, and thousands of aftershocks followed the event.
Since the June 8 mainshock, the region has remained seismically active with numerous aftershocks, including several magnitude 6+ events.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
References:
1 M6.5 earthquake Mindanao, Philippines – USGS – June 26, 2026
2 M6.5 earthquake Mindanao, Philippines – EMSC – June 26, 2026
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.