Strong M6.8 earthquake, series of strong aftershocks hit near the coast of Mindanao, Philippines

A series of moderate to very strong earthquakes hit near the coast of Mindanao, Philippines, on August 2 and 3, 2024. The strongest in the series was M6.8 at 22:23 UTC on August 2, at a depth of 25.8 km (16 miles), followed by M6.3 at 04:20 UTC on August 3, at a depth of 15.9 km (10 miles).

The epicenter of the M6.8 quake was located 18.7 km (11.6 miles) ENE of Barcelona (population 3 541) and 31.3 km (19.5 miles) E of Bislig (population 67 567), Caraga, Philippines.

227 000 people are estimated to have felt very strong shaking, 856 000 strong, and 2 968 000 moderate.

PHIVOLCS said the quake was tectonic in nature.

Based on all available data, NWS PTWC said there was 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 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.

According to data provided by the USGS, this quake was followed by a series of moderate to strong aftershocks, including M5.3 at 22:31 UTC on August 2, M5.2 at 01:37 UTC on August 3, another M5.3 at 01:38 UTC and M6.3 at 04:20 UTC on August 3.

The epicenter of the M6.3 aftershock was 18 km (11.2 miles) E of the M6.8.

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity