Third Earthquake Strikes Southern Philippines After Twin Quakes Kill Seven

A day after two powerful earthquakes rocked the southern Philippines, killing at least seven people and triggering panic across coastal communities, yet another strong quake hit the region late Saturday. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the latest tremor measured 6.0 in magnitude and struck off the southern coast of the Philippines, near the town of Cagwait in Surigao del Sur province.

The quake occurred at a depth of 59 kilometres (about 37 miles), roughly 10 kilometres from Cagwait. While no immediate reports of fresh casualties or damage were available from Saturday night’s quake, it came as a jolt to residents still reeling from Friday’s twin earthquakes.

On Friday, December 8, the region was shaken by two massive quakes just hours apart. The first — a 7.4 magnitude quake — struck off the coast of Davao Oriental province, triggering landslides and damaging infrastructure. The tremor was so strong that it forced thousands of people in coastal areas to evacuate due to fears of a tsunami. A brief tsunami alert was issued but later lifted after the threat subsided.

The second earthquake, registering a magnitude of 6.8, also occurred along the Philippine Trench fault line — a known seismic hotspot. It struck near the town of Manay, again in Davao Oriental, at a depth of 37 kilometres. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) confirmed both tremors originated from the same fault zone.

At least seven people lost their lives in Friday’s quakes, with several more injured and hundreds displaced. The temblors caused structural damage to homes, roads, and power lines, particularly in the provinces of Davao Oriental and Surigao del Sur. Emergency crews have been deployed to assess the damage and assist affected residents.

The Philippines lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an area highly prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity due to the movement of several tectonic plates. Friday’s back-to-back quakes and Saturday’s aftershock have heightened concerns about the possibility of more seismic activity in the coming days.

Authorities continue to monitor the region closely, urging residents to remain alert and prepared for possible aftershocks.