Shallow M5.6 earthquake hits offshore Mindanao, Philippines (Updated)
A shallow M5.6 earthquake was recorded at 17:53 UTC on December 21, 2025, approximately 141 km (88 miles) east of Barcelona, Philippines. According to USGS, the earthquake struck at a depth of 9.0 km (5.6 miles).
The coordinates (127.7°E, 8.4°N) place the epicenter offshore, east of Mindanao in the southern Philippines, in the Philippine Sea. This region is sparsely populated, with the nearest significant settlements along the eastern coastline of Mindanao.
Given its offshore location, potential critical infrastructure in the affected area may include marine shipping routes, small coastal ports, and communication cables that traverse the Philippine Sea. Major inland infrastructure such as highways and airports is located further west on Mindanao Island.
There is no tsunami threat associated with this earthquake, based on its location and available data.
USGS issued a green alert for this event, indicating a low likelihood of casualties or damage. The maximum estimated intensity was IV. The significance index is 482 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.
The southeastern Philippines is part of a tectonically active region, located near the boundary of the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate. Earthquakes are common in the area due to ongoing subduction processes along the Philippine Trench and related fault systems.
This information was last updated at 19:23 UTC on December 21, 2025.