A powerful 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck waters off the southern Philippines on Wednesday, January 7, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported. Despite the strength of the tremor, authorities said there were no immediate reports of injuries or significant damage. According to the USGS, the earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, roughly 68 kilometers east of Baculin, a small village located in the town of Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur province. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded the quake slightly lower at magnitude 6.4 and estimated its depth at 23 kilometers. Phivolcs warned residents to remain alert for possible aftershocks and structural damage following the event.

Local police and disaster management officials near the quake’s epicenter confirmed that they had not received any immediate reports of casualties or destruction. Joey Monato, the police chief of Hinatuan, said that while the shaking was not extremely intense, it caused alarm among residents. “It was not that strong, but people rushed outside,” he explained.

Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol noted that the epicenter was located less than 10 kilometers from the area where two powerful earthquakes struck in October, resulting in seven deaths. He added that the latest quake was unlikely to trigger a tsunami, explaining that its depth would prevent the formation of destructive sea waves. The Philippines is situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, making seismic activity a regular concern for the country.