Magnitude 6.4 earthquake jolts Philippines

Written by Monika Walker

Published

Updated

A strong and shallow 6.4-magnitude quake hit the southern Philippines on October 16, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said, sending hundreds rushing out of a shopping mall where local television said an elderly man was injured.The man received treatment after being struck by a falling object during the early evening quake, ABS-CBN television reported from the scene.The quake, which was 14-km deep, was centred around 7.7 km from the city of Columbio on Mindanao island at 7.37 p.m. (5.07 p.m. IST), according to the U.S. monitor.Chief Philippine government seismologist Renato Solidum advised residents to check their homes for possible damage.He said there was no risk of a tsunami because it occurred inland, and there were no immediate reports of serious damage.The Philippines is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, an arc of intense seismic activity that stretches from Japan through Southeast Asia and across the Pacific basin.

Author Profile

Monika Walker is a senior journalist specializing in regional and international politics, offering in-depth analysis on governance, diplomacy, and key global developments. With a degree in International Journalism, she is dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices through factual reporting. She also covers world news across every genre, providing readers with balanced and timely insights that connect the Caribbean to global conversations.