A primer on the January 23, 2025 5.8 magnitude (MW) earthquake in southern Leyte – Philippines

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What is happening in southern Leyte and its environs?

At 7:39 a.m. Philippine Standard Time (PST) on January 23, 2025 (Thursday), a moderate-sized earthquake of magnitude 5.8 shook the southern province of Leyte and neighboring provinces. The epicenter was located 6 km southeast of San Francisco, south of Leyte, at an estimated depth of 11 km (Figure 1). The earthquake is linked to an active local fault movement in the area. As of 1:30 PM PST on January 23, 2025, the DOST-PHIVOLCS Philippine Seismic Network (PSN) has recorded a total of 73 aftershocks ranging from MS 1.6 to MS 2.9.

Using the PHIVOLCS Seismic Intensity Scale (PEIS), the highest reported intensity is PEIS VI (very strong) which was felt in San Francisco, southern Leyte (Appendix 1. DOST-PHIVOLCS Earthquake Information No. 2). In PEIS VI, many people are afraid, and many of them run outside. Some people lose their balance. Motorists feel the urge to drive with flat tires. Heavy objects or furniture move or may be moved. Small church bells may ring. Wall plaster may crack. Very old or poorly built homes and man-made structures experience minor damage although well-built structures are not affected. Limited rockfalls and rolling rocks occur in mountainous areas and slopes. The trees shook noticeably.

Have strong to major earthquakes affected southern Leyte and surrounding areas in the past?

Yes. At least six (6) large earthquakes with a magnitude ranging from M 5.9 to M 6.7 affected Southern Leyte and adjacent provinces of Eastern Visayas and Caraga between 1917 and 2017 based on historical records (SEASEE, 1985) and the DOST-PHIVOLCS earthquake catalog. Some of the strong earthquakes (M > 6) that affected southern Leyte were the 1973 M 6.3, 1977 M 6.4, 1994 M 6.2, and 2017 M 6.7 events.

Why do earthquakes occur around southern Leyte?

Southern Leyte and its neighboring provinces are vulnerable to earthquakes because they are located in one of the seismically active areas of the archipelago. The presence of active onshore and offshore faults, especially the Philippine fault and its parts, generates high seismic activity in the region. In addition, there are local faults nearby, some of which are likely buried by modern sediments and have the potential to cause mild to strong earthquakes.

What can we expect from current seismic activity?

We can expect mild to moderate aftershocks in the epicenter area. These aftershocks can last for days to months, and some may also be felt in neighboring counties.

Aside from moderate ground shaking, what other seismic hazards can be expected?

Landslides caused by earthquakes, rock falls, and other types of mass movement may occur on sloping terrain, especially in hilly or mountainous areas. Liquefaction effects manifested by subsidence, ground fissures, sand boiling, lateral spreads, and/or flotation of floating structures may affect low-lying, waterlogged, and sandy areas near bodies of water.

Did this recent earthquake trigger a tsunami?

No, DOST-PHIVOLCS has not issued a tsunami warning. Although the epicenter of this earthquake was located at sea, no destructive tsunami waves were generated because there was no significant vertical displacement of the sea floor. However, local sea level disturbances due to intense ground shaking can be observed along the coasts.

Could this earthquake indicate volcanic activity?

No. The earthquake is tectonic in origin. However, DOST-PHIVOLCS will closely monitor earthquakes that may be related to nearby active volcanoes. The closest active volcano is Kabalian Volcano, located about 25 kilometers north of San Francisco, south of Leyte.

What should affected communities do?

Communities must be prepared for aftershocks. In the event of a strong earthquake, it is recommended that people protect themselves by “crouching/dropping, covering, and holding steady.”

People should be careful of structures that are visibly weak or showing signs of damage from the 5.8 magnitude earthquake. These buildings may sustain further damage due to subsequent earthquakes and injury to building occupants. It is best to contact the relevant municipality/city engineering office to inspect the building. Civil engineers from local government and other organizations are strongly urged to inspect buildings and infrastructure to determine structural integrity and recommend appropriate actions. Structurally compromised buildings should not be reoccupied until they have been certified safe by structural engineers. In homes and offices, heavy furniture and appliances should be fixed to the walls, and hanging objects should be securely fastened to prevent them from causing injury.

Mountain/hill slopes should be checked for tension/cracks created due to strong ground vibration. Tension cracks make slopes more vulnerable to landslides, especially during heavy rainfall and/or aftershocks. Areas prone to landslides should be avoided.

Rumors spread easily that may cause panic. Avoid sharing messages from unconfirmed and unreliable sources, and obtain information from DOST-PHIVOLCS and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (DRRMOs).

What is the role of DOST-PHIVOLCS?

DOST-PHIVOLCS performs seismic monitoring and provides information on earthquakes. It operates and maintains a network of 121 seismic monitoring stations spread throughout the Philippines. The closest seismic stations to San Francisco and southern Leyte are staff-controlled seismic stations in Palo on Leyte, Surigao City in Surigao del Norte, Tagbilaran City in Bohol, Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu, and satellite seismic stations in Masin City in southern Leyte, Ormoc City in Leyte, Borongan City in eastern Samar, Loreto on Dinagat Island, and Garcia Hernandez and Talibon in Bohol, and San Francisco in Cebu.

DOST-PHIVOLCS will deploy a Quick Response Team (QRT) to Southern Leyte Province. The QRT aims to assess geological impacts and conduct information dissemination campaigns to allay public concerns. Furthermore, DOST-PHIVOLCS works together with other government agencies in mitigating the harmful effects of earthquakes.

Please visit our website at www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph, Facebook (/PHIVOLCS), and X (@phivolcs_dost) for earthquake and tsunami information, volcano updates, hazard maps, and informational materials. Earthquake observations can be reported to DOST-PHIVOLCS at telephone numbers (02) 8929-9254 and (02) 8426-1468 to 79, local 307 and 308, or via the Facebook page (direct message).

Minor earthquakes: from M3 to 3.9; Minor earthquakes: 4 to 4.9 magnitude; Moderate earthquakes: from 5 to 5.9 magnitude; Strong earthquakes: from 6 to 6.9 magnitude; Major earthquakes: 7 to 7.9 magnitude; Major earthquakes: M8.0 and above.

Download in PDF format: https://bit.ly/2024-SouthernLeyte-EQ

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