M4.9 Earthquake Baculin, Philippines

On October 14, 2025 at 02:39 UTC, a magnitude 4.9 shallow crustal earthquake struck 28 km ESE of Baculin, Philippines, at a depth of 56.7 km and coordinates 7.3945°, 126.8399°. This earthquake was detected by 160 seismic stations with excellent location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 369, placing it among routine seismic activity.

Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.9 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 338 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 1.4 km — a useful intuition for the size of the slip patch on the fault.

This earthquake is part of an ongoing aftershock sequence following the magnitude 5.5 mainshock that occurred 20 days ago 22 km ENE of Baculin, Philippines. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 1 aftershocks in this area. Aftershock activity is expected to continue for days to weeks as stresses on surrounding faults redistribute.

The epicenter is located in Philippines, a region characterized by the Manila Trench and Philippine Trench subduction systems, where the Philippine Sea Plate overrides the Eurasian Plate. The nearest mapped fault system is the Philippine Fault. View all earthquakes in Philippines.

Learn more: Magnitude scale · Aftershock sequences

Common Questions

How strong was the magnitude 4.9 earthquake near Baculin, Philippines?

The magnitude 4.9 earthquake that struck 28 km ESE of Baculin, Philippines on October 14, 2025 at 02:39 UTC had a depth of 56.7 km. For context, this was a light earthquake commonly felt near the epicenter.

Where did the earthquake occur?

The earthquake epicenter was located at 7.3945°, 126.8399°, which is 28 km ESE of Baculin, Philippines. View all earthquakes in Philippines.

Were there aftershocks?

Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 4.9 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.

Is this the same earthquake as the M5.5 one earlier?

No. This magnitude 4.9 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.5 mainshock that occurred earlier 22 km ENE of Baculin, Philippines. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.

Has Philippines had earthquakes this big before?

The largest recorded earthquake in Philippines was the M8.0 Mindanao earthquake of August 17, 1976. Today's magnitude 4.9 event is significantly smaller than that historical record.

What should I do after an earthquake?

If you were in the affected area: check yourself and others for injuries, inspect your home for damage, and be prepared for aftershocks. For detailed guidance, see our earthquake safety guide and emergency planning resources.

M4.9 Earthquake 28 km ESE of Baculin, Philippines — October 14, 2025

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