Written by on . Last updated April 18th, 2026.

A strong M6.0 earthquake struck in the Philippine Sea 175 kilometer from General Santos, The Philippines in the evening of Saturday April 4th, 2026. Roughly 3.7 million people may have felt this earthquake.

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Earthquake Summary

This earthquake hit under water in the Philippine Sea, 112 kilometers (70 mi) off the coast of The Philippines, 175 kilometer south-east of General Santos in Soccsksargen. The center of this earthquake had a quite shallow depth of 67 km. Shallow earthquakes usually have a larger impact than earthquakes deep in the earth.

Date and Time: Apr 4, 2026 06:34PM (Manila Time)
- Apr 4, 2026 10:34 Universal Time.
Location: 175 km SE of General Santos, Soccsksargen, The Philippines.
Coordinates 4°52'24"N 126°8'21"E.
Map: Map of area around epicenter.
Map of area around epicenter. Click to open in Google Maps.
Magnitude: MAG 6.0
Detected by 50 stations. Maximum Error Range ±0.044 .
Depth: 67 km (42 mi)
A quite shallow depth.
Max. Intensity:
V
Moderate

On the Modified Mercalli Scale.
Tsunami Risk: Low tsunami risk
Earthquakes under MAG-6.5 do not usually cause tsunami's.
Always stay cautious - More info here.

Minimal impact predicted

Based on scientific estimates by the US Geographic Survey (USGS), the risk of high fatalities for this earthquake is classified at level GREEN (low). They expect an 90% likelyhood of between 0 and 1 fatalities.

The USGS classifies the economic impact of this earthquake at level GREEN (low). They expect an 90% likelyhood of between 0 and 1 million US Dollars in economic damage and impact.

Roughly 3.7 million people exposed to shaking

This earthquake may have been felt by around 3.7 million people. That is the expected population size of the area exposed to a level of shaking of II or higher on the Modified Mercalli scale according to the USGS.

The highest earthquake impact level for this earthquake is IV, which corresponds with light shaking and likely no damage. Roughly 723,300 people are expected to be exposed to this level. The majority of people (roughly 3 million) live in an area exposed to level III, where weak shaking and probably no damage is expected.

People in 2 countries have been exposed to shaking. Roughly 3.5 million people were exposed to shaking in The Philippines , with level IV (light shaking, likely no damage) as the highest recorded. In Indonesia , around 250 thousand people.

People MMI Level Shaking Damage
0
I
Not noticable None
910
II
Very weak None
3,022,000
III
Weak Probably none
723,300
IV
Light Likely none
0
V
Moderate Very light
0
VI
Strong Light
0
VII
Very Strong Moderate
0
VIII
Severe Moderate to heavy
0
IX
Violent Heavy
0
X
Extreme Very heavy

Nearby towns and cities

This earthquake may have been felt in The Philippines . The closest significant population center near the earthquake is Glan in Soccsksargen, The Philippines. Glan is located 148 kilometer (92 mi) south-east of the epicenter. The intensity of shaking and damage in Glan is estimated to be around level IV on the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale (light shaking, likely no damage).

Major cities near this earthquake: Davao is located 251 km to the north (intensity unknown, possibly low). Budta is located 320 km to the northwest (intensity unknown, possibly low). General Santos is located 175 km to the northwest and experienced an intensity of IV (light shaking, likely no damage).

A complete list of nearby places is included below. Estimated intensity data (MMI) sourced from a shake-map published by the US Geographic Survey is shown where available (cities without data probably experienced little impact).

Overview of nearby places

Distance Place Intensity (MMI)
148 km (92 mi)
NW from epicenter
Glan

Soccsksargen, The Philippines.
IV
Light
154 km (96 mi)
NW from epicenter
Malapatan

Soccsksargen, The Philippines.
III
Weak
166 km (103 mi)
NW from epicenter
Alabel

Soccsksargen, The Philippines.
IV
Light
175 km (109 mi)
NW from epicenter
General Santos

Soccsksargen, The Philippines.
IV
Light
181 km (112 mi)
N from epicenter
Malita

Davao, The Philippines.
III
Weak
183 km (114 mi)
NW from epicenter
Maluñgun

Soccsksargen, The Philippines.
III
Weak
191 km (119 mi)
NW from epicenter
Polomolok

Soccsksargen, The Philippines.
III
Weak
201 km (125 mi)
N from epicenter
Santa Maria

Davao, The Philippines.
III
Weak
209 km (130 mi)
NW from epicenter
Tupi

Soccsksargen, The Philippines.
III
Weak
218 km (135 mi)
NW from epicenter
Lake Sebu

Soccsksargen, The Philippines.
III
Weak
226 km (140 mi)
NW from epicenter
Digos

Davao, The Philippines.
226 km (140 mi)
N from epicenter
Lupon

Davao, The Philippines.
227 km (141 mi)
NW from epicenter
Surallah

Soccsksargen, The Philippines.
III
Weak
229 km (142 mi)
NW from epicenter
Bañga

Soccsksargen, The Philippines.
III
Weak
231 km (144 mi)
NW from epicenter
Koronadal

Soccsksargen, The Philippines.
III
Weak
232 km (144 mi)
N from epicenter
Mati

Davao, The Philippines.
236 km (147 mi)
NW from epicenter
Magsaysay

Davao, The Philippines.
236 km (147 mi)
NW from epicenter
Bansalan

Davao, The Philippines.
249 km (155 mi)
N from epicenter
Samal

Davao, The Philippines.
251 km (156 mi)
N from epicenter
Davao

Davao, The Philippines.
253 km (157 mi)
NW from epicenter
Buluan

Rehiyong Autonomo sa Muslim na Mindanao, The Philippines.
259 km (161 mi)
NW from epicenter
Isulan

Soccsksargen, The Philippines.
III
Weak
259 km (161 mi)
NW from epicenter
Tacurong

Soccsksargen, The Philippines.
264 km (164 mi)
NW from epicenter
Kidapawan

Soccsksargen, The Philippines.
264 km (164 mi)
N from epicenter
Manay

Davao, The Philippines.
268 km (167 mi)
NW from epicenter
Laguilayan

Soccsksargen, The Philippines.
275 km (171 mi)
N from epicenter
Panabo

Davao, The Philippines.
285 km (177 mi)
N from epicenter
Cabayangan

Davao, The Philippines.
288 km (179 mi)
NW from epicenter
Kabacan

Soccsksargen, The Philippines.
289 km (180 mi)
N from epicenter
Magugpo Poblacion

Davao, The Philippines.
290 km (180 mi)
NW from epicenter
Maganoy

Rehiyong Autonomo sa Muslim na Mindanao, The Philippines.
292 km (181 mi)
N from epicenter
San Mariano

Davao, The Philippines.
304 km (189 mi)
N from epicenter
New Corella

Davao, The Philippines.
305 km (190 mi)
N from epicenter
Nabunturan

Davao, The Philippines.
311 km (193 mi)
N from epicenter
Compostela

Davao, The Philippines.
313 km (194 mi)
NW from epicenter
Midsayap

Soccsksargen, The Philippines.
314 km (195 mi)
NW from epicenter
Malingao

Soccsksargen, The Philippines.
318 km (198 mi)
NW from epicenter
Pagaluñgan

Rehiyong Autonomo sa Muslim na Mindanao, The Philippines.
320 km (199 mi)
NW from epicenter
Budta

Rehiyong Autonomo sa Muslim na Mindanao, The Philippines.
327 km (203 mi)
N from epicenter
Monkayo

Davao, The Philippines.
335 km (208 mi)
NW from epicenter
Cotabato

Rehiyong Autonomo sa Muslim na Mindanao, The Philippines.
336 km (209 mi)
N from epicenter
Don Carlos

Northern Mindanao, The Philippines.
338 km (210 mi)
N from epicenter
Quezon

Northern Mindanao, The Philippines.
345 km (214 mi)
N from epicenter
Maramag

Northern Mindanao, The Philippines.
346 km (215 mi)
NW from epicenter
Parang

Rehiyong Autonomo sa Muslim na Mindanao, The Philippines.
352 km (219 mi)
NW from epicenter
Wao

Rehiyong Autonomo sa Muslim na Mindanao, The Philippines.
353 km (219 mi)
N from epicenter
Trento

Caraga, The Philippines.
356 km (221 mi)
N from epicenter
Veruela

Caraga, The Philippines.
356 km (221 mi)
N from epicenter
NIA Valencia

Northern Mindanao, The Philippines.
372 km (231 mi)
N from epicenter
Bislig

Caraga, The Philippines.
382 km (237 mi)
N from epicenter
Malaybalay

Northern Mindanao, The Philippines.
Cities and Towns around the epicenter of this earthquake.

Earthquake Intensity Map

The graph below overlays a map of the region around the epicenter with earthquake intensity data provided by the US Geographic Survey. The highest intensity level detected for this earthquake is IV.

I Not felt
II Weak
III Weak
IV Light
V Moderate
VI Strong
VII Very Strong
VIII Severe
IX Violent
X Extreme
Earthquake Intensity Map based on Shakemap Data provided by USGS.

Shaking reported by 11 people in 2 countries

People that feel an earthquake may report their experience to the US Geographic Survey. Currently, 11 people have reported shaking in 5 places in 2 countries (Philippines, Indonesia).We keep updating this article as more ground reports become available. You may report that you felt this earthquake here.

Places with most reports:

  • Buayan, Southern Mindanao, Philippines: 6 people.
  • Katangawan, Southern Mindanao, Philippines: 2 people.
  • Davao, Southern Mindanao, Philippines: 1 person.
  • Manado, Sulawesi Utara, Indonesia: 1 person.
  • Barra, Northern Mindanao, Philippines: 1 person.

5 Aftershocks detected

This main shock was followed by 5 smaller aftershocks. At a distance of 52 km (32 mi) southwest of this earthquake, an aftershock struck 2 days later. It measured a magnitude of 3.5

In the days before this main shock, 3 smaller foreshocks were detected. Roughly 2 days before this earthquake, a foreshock measuring MAG-3.8 was detected nearby this earthquake.

Overview of foreshocks and aftershocks

Classification Magnitude When Where
Foreshock M 3.5 3 days earlier
Apr 2, 2026 02:29AM (Manila Time)
99 km (62 mi)
SE from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 3.8 2 days earlier
Apr 3, 2026 01:43AM (Manila Time)
94 km (58 mi)
E from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 3.1 15 hrs earlier
Apr 4, 2026 03:15AM (Manila Time)
95 km (59 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Main Shock
This Earthquake
M 6.0 Apr 4, 2026 06:34PM
(Manila Time)
-
Aftershock M 3.0 4 hrs later
Apr 4, 2026 10:50PM (Manila Time)
24 km (15 mi)
NE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.3 12 hrs later
Apr 5, 2026 06:35AM (Manila Time)
94 km (58 mi)
SE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.0 1 day later
Apr 6, 2026 01:10AM (Manila Time)
65 km (40 mi)
S from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.2 2 days later
Apr 7, 2026 01:20AM (Manila Time)
90 km (56 mi)
SE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.5 2 days later
Apr 7, 2026 04:33AM (Manila Time)
52 km (32 mi)
SW from Main Shock.
Detected MAG2.5+ earthquakes within within 100km (62 mi), that occurred in the three days before and after the main shock.

More earthquakes coming?

Earthquakes can create aftershocks. These are generally at least 1 magnitude lower than any main shock, and as time passes the chance and strength of aftershocks decreases.

The chance that a significant earthquake like this one is followed by an even larger earthquake is not so large. On average, scientists estimate a 94% chance that a major earthquake will not be followed by an even larger one. It is still adviced to be aware of this risk

Read: How to Stay Safe during an Earthquake (cdc.gov).

Earthquakes like this happen often in the region

Earthquakes of this strength are very common in the region. This is the strongest earthquake to hit since January 10th, 2026, when a 6.4 magnitude earthquake hit 154 km (96 mi) further south-east. An even stronger magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck on October 10th, 2025.

In total, 39 earthquakes with a magnitude of 6 or higher have been registered within 300km (186 mi) of this epicenter in the past 10 years. This comes down to an average of once every 3 months.

Low tsunami risk

DISCLAIMER: We strongly suggest to closely monitor advice from local authorities with regards to tsunami risks. Our analysis is based on automatically collected data from external sources, and these might contain mistakes. In addition, earthquakes can cause landslides that may lead to a tsunami, or be a followed by another, potentially stonger, earthquake.

Based on early data it appears this earthquake was not strong enough (lower than MAG-6.5) to be likely to cause destructive tsunami's. However this earthquake appeared to have hit at a shallow depth under sea, so stay cautious and monitor advice from local authorities.

Tsunami Risk Factors

Factor Under Sea? MAG-6.5 or stronger? Shallow depth?
Explanation Almost all tsunami's are caused by earthquakes with their epicenter under sea or very near the sea. However stay cautious in coastal areas as earthquakes on land may cause landslides into sea, potentially still causing a local tsunami. Under MAG 6.5: Very unlikely to cause a tsunami.
MAG 6.5 to 7.5: Destructive tsunami's do occur, but are uncommon. Likely to observe small sea level changes.
MAG 7.6+: Earthquakes with these magnitudes might produce destructive tsunami's.
Most destructive tsunami's are caused by shallow earthquakes with a depth between 0 and 100km under the surface of the earth. Deeper tsunami's are unlikely to displace to ocean floor.
This Earthquake This earthquake appears to have struck under the sea. Not this earthquake.
This earthquake had a magnitude of 6. Earthquakes of this strength are unlikely to trigger a tsunami.
This earthquake occurred at a depth of of 67 km (42 mi). Earthquakes this shallow could trigger a tsunami.

Sources

Last updated 18/04/26 11:48 (). This article is automatically generated based on available data. We keep checking multiple sources for additional information. This article gets updated as new details on this earthquake become available.

  1. US Geographic Society (USGS): Earthquake us6000smj4
  2. European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC): Earthquake 20260404_0000243
  3. Geonames.org: World Cities Database
  4. Google Maps: Static API
  5. Earthquakelist.org: Historic Earthquakes Database

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