Strong 6.5-magnitude earthquake strikes southern Philippines

A STRONG 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck the southern Philippine island of Mindanao on Wednesday, prompting authorities to confirm that there is no tsunami threat to Malaysia.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) said the earthquake occurred at 12.14pm and was centred at latitude 5.2 degrees North and longitude 125.4 degrees East, approximately 159 kilometres southeast of Koronadal City in the Philippines.

The department said the quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres, with preliminary assessments indicating no tsunami threat to Malaysia.

Meanwhile, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the earthquake at a magnitude of 6.3, while the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reported that it occurred at a depth of 62 kilometres.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage following the earthquake.

The latest tremor comes less than two months after a powerful earthquake struck Mindanao on June 8, causing buildings to collapse, triggering landslides and leaving at least 76 people dead. - August 5, 2026