Philippines: Magnitude-5.7 earthquake strikes off the southeastern coast of Mindanao around 23:53 Aug. 12

Event

A magnitude-5.7 earthquake occurred in the Philippine Sea off southeastern Mindanao Island, Philippines, at 23:53 PHT Aug. 12. The epicenter was about 213 km (132 miles) southeast of Davao City. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 10 km (6 miles), and weak-to-light shaking was reported in southern and southeastern provinces on Mindanao. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties; however, significant damage is unlikely. Nevertheless, it could take several hours until authorities conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Aftershocks are likely over the coming days. The event did not prompt any tsunami advisories.

Officials may temporarily shut down transportation infrastructure in the tremor zone to check for damage. Minor disruptions could occur during shutdowns, but service will likely resume quickly if no damage is found. Utility outages are possible, particularly in areas closest to the earthquake's epicenter.

Advice

Plan accordingly for aftershocks. Consider vacating multistory buildings if operating in affected areas until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Allow additional time for air and road travel, as aftershocks may prompt brief disruptions. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving in hilly areas in the affected region due to potential landslides.