Shallow M5.5 earthquake hits Surigao del Sur, Philippines (Updated)

A shallow M5.5 earthquake was recorded at 16:48 UTC on May 24, 2026, approximately 13 km (8 miles) east of Cortes, Surigao del Sur, Philippines. The earthquake originated at a depth of 34.0 km (21.1 miles), according to reviewed data by the USGS.

The epicenter was located at coordinates 9.3°N, 126.3°E, placing it inland in Surigao del Sur, an area characterized by rural communities and small towns along the eastern Mindanao coastline. The nearest populated area is Cortes, with other settlements distributed along the Pacific seaboard.

Critical infrastructure in this region may include minor highways, municipal roads, fishing ports, and small regional airports, due to the province’s coastal location and local economic activities.

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 earthquake was felt and generated 5 felt reports. The maximum estimated intensity was IV on the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale. The significance index is 468 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.

The Philippines sits within the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, with frequent earthquakes resulting from the interaction of the Philippine Sea Plate and Eurasian Plate beneath the archipelago.

This information was last updated at 18:12 UTC on May 24, 2026.

For further details, visit the USGS event page: https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us6000szxz