Joselito Malig

Article (news)

Raphael Bosano

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA — Thousands of residents in Sultan Kudarat fled to evacuation centers after a series of earthquakes shook the province. </p><p>This is a phenomenon officially classified by state seismologists as an earthquake swarm. </p><p>While no tsunami warning was issued, the series of earthquakes caused fear and uncertainty, especially in coastal towns such like Palimbang, Lebak, and Kalamansig, which recorded some of the strongest tremors and remain under close monitoring by authorities.</p><p>According to Sultan Kudarat Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Lovely Joy Hallegado, it’s been nearly 50 years since the province last experienced this kind of sustained seismic activity.</p><p>“This is very unusual since diba nga po 1976 pa yung tsunami, and after that, hindi pa to nangyari na ganito, sunod-sunod na may earthquake,” she said.</p><p>(This is very unusual. Since the 1976 tsunami, we have not experienced this kind of continuous, successive earthquakes. This is very, very unusual.)</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>What is an earthquake swarm? </strong></div><p>According to Phivolcs, an earthquake swarm is a series of earthquakes that occur close together in time and location, but without a clear pattern of a main shock followed by aftershocks.</p><p>Unlike typical earthquake sequences where one strong quake is followed by smaller aftershocks, earthquake swarms involve multiple quakes of nearly similar strength, happening repeatedly over a period of time.</p><p>A sequence is classified as a swarm when the number of earthquakes recorded is significantly higher than the normal seismic activity of an area. From January 19 until noon today, more than 2,600 earthquakes have already been recorded in Sultan Kudarat.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>What causes earthquake swarms?</strong></div><p>Earthquake swarms are often associated with volcanic activity, where moving magma fractures rocks beneath a volcano, causing repeated tremors.</p><p>However, Phivolcs Chief Science Research Specialist Winchelle Sevila said the Sultan Kudarat swarm is not volcanic in origin.</p><p>“Dahil yung location niya ay napakalayo niya sa active volcano. So earthquake swarm siya, ang source po ay tectonic. Ibig sabihin po, paggalaw po ng mga faults,” he said.</p><p>“Yung location niya malapit sa Cotabato Trench. Ibig sabihin, yung mga faults po doon po sa Cotabaco Trench, sa area na yun, yung po yung nagagalawan at nag-generate po yung tinatawag nating earthquake swarm.”</p><p>Sevilla adds, an earthquake swarm is not always indicative of a bigger, major earthquake. This has, however, happened before like the 2024 Noto, Japan earthquake.</p><p>There is also no fixed timeline for how long an earthquake swarm can last. It may continue for weeks, months, or even years, depending on underground tectonic activity.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Experts advise communities in affected areas to: </strong></div><p>- Stay alert and follow official advisories </p><p>- Inspect homes and buildings for cracks and structural damage </p><p>- Avoid weakened structures </p><p>- Strengthen houses and infrastructure to reduce risk </p><p>- Prepare emergency kits and family evacuation plans</p><p>Authorities say the continue to monitor the situation closely, while disaster officials urge residents to remain calm, informed, and prepared as the earthquake swarm continues.</p>

<p>According to Phivolcs, an earthquake swarm is a series of earthquakes that occur close together in time and location, but without a clear pattern of a main shock followed by aftershocks.</p>

According to Phivolcs, an earthquake swarm is a series of earthquakes that occur close together in time and location, but without a clear pattern of a main shock followed by aftershocks.

What is an earthquake swarm? Here’s what’s happening in Sultan Kudarat

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What is an earthquake swarm? Here’s what’s happening in Sultan Kudarat

Raphael Bosano,

ABS-CBN News

Published January 30, 2026 08:39 PM PHT

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Phivolcs

earthquake swarm

Sultan Kudarat

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