Series of earthquakes off Sultan Kudarat prompts evacuations

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said close to 400 weak to moderate earthquakes were recorded offshore of Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat, from 10:52 p.m. on 19 January to 1 p.m. on 21 January 2026.

Phivolcs said 234 of the tremors were plotted, meaning they were detected by at least three seismic monitoring stations. Of these, 30 earthquakes were felt and assigned corresponding intensity levels, the agency said in an advisory.

The agency also logged at least 12 additional earthquakes offshore of Kalamansig from 6 a.m. to 10:29 a.m. Friday, with magnitudes ranging from 1.5 to 3.6.

Residents in coastal communities were advised to remain vigilant and watch for possible tsunami warning signs.

Local authorities reported that around 800 families from several coastal villages in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat, evacuated their homes following the earthquakes that struck the town and nearby areas on 19 January.

As a precaution, Sultan Kudarat Gov. Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu ordered the suspension of work and classes in both public and private institutions across the province early Tuesday.

The public was reminded to practice the “duck, cover, and hold” procedure during earthquakes and to monitor updates through Phivolcs’ official website and social media channels.