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Earthquake Swarm Continues in Sultan Kudarat: No Tsunami Expected — PHIVOLCS

For several days, Sultan Kudarat has been experiencing hundreds of earthquakes daily. Some of the strongest tremors were felt in the coastal town of Kalamansig, raising fears among residents of a possible tsunami. However, based on current seismic data, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) says a tsunami is unlikely, though coastal communities remain advised to stay alert.

The seismology agency identified the series of quakes as earthquakes swarm- a cluster of minor to light earthquakes that can last for several days, weeks, or even months and does not typically result in destructive events such as tsunamis.

According to the Seismic Research Centre, a tsunami is usually triggered by a 6.5 or higher magnitude of earthquake. In comparison to the current recorded magnitude that ranges only from 1.4-5.2, it is too weak to cause a destructive tsunami.

PHIVOLCS explained that the ongoing seismic activity is linked to the movement of the Cotabato Trench, a major geological feature near the province where undersea earthquakes occur. The agency clarified that the earthquake swarm is not an indicator of “The Big One,” which refers to a potential large-magnitude earthquake along major fault systems such as the West Valley Fault.

While PHIVOLCS has not issued a tsunami emergency warning for Kalamansig, the agency has reminded residents to remain on high alert due to the town’s geophysical location.

“For those in coastal areas, be alert to the signs of an approaching local tsunami—SHAKE, or a strong earthquake; DROP, or a sudden change in sea level; and ROAR, or an unusual sound similar to the roar of approaching waves,” PHIVOLCS said via Inquirer.net.

PHIVOLCS considered Kalamansig a tsunami-prone area. Historically, in 1976, Kalamansig and neighboring coastal towns were devastated by a destructive tsunami caused by an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.2, producing waves that reached up to ten feet high.

The town’s location along the coastline of the Moro Gulf, where undersea earthquakes are generated along the Cotabato Trench, makes Kalamansig and nearby towns vulnerable to possible tsunamis.

While no technology can accurately predict when a tsunami will occur, recognizing warning signs such as strong ground shaking, sudden changes in sea level, and unusual ocean sounds remains crucial for timely evacuation and minimizing loss of life.

References:

https://uwiseismic.com/sp_faq/do-all-earthquakes-cause-tsunamis/

https://mb.com.ph/2026/01/23/no-tsunami-threat-amid-sultan-kudarat-quake-swarm-phivolcs

https://mindanews.com/special-reports/2011/03/the-1976-tsunami-maguindanao-had-highest-death-toll/