List of earthquakes in the Philippines

Earthquakes in the Philippines

A 1910 earthquake map of the Philippines
Largest	Mw8.3 1918 Celebes Sea earthquake
Deadliest	Mw 8.0 1976 Moro Gulf earthquake 5,000–8,000 killed

The Philippines lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, which causes the country to have frequent seismic and volcanic activity. Many earthquakes of smaller magnitude occur very regularly due to the meeting of major tectonic plates in the region. The largest was the 1918 Celebes Sea earthquake with M_w8.3.

Spanish Period

Rev. Miguel Saderra Masó, S.J. in his introduction to the book "Catalogue of Violent and Destructive Earthquakes in the Philippines With an Appendix: Earthquakes in the Marianas Islands 1599-1909" describes the records as starting in 1599 considering that the first settlements in Manila consisted mostly of wooden structures, thus damage to earthquakes were largely negligible. Moreover, due to the light and combustible materials used in early settlements, damage to fire and typhoon left a more indelible mark on the population compared to earthquakes, hence the absence of detailed records for such events prior to the late 16th century.

"The first earthquake of which the chronicles contain a mention is that of 1599. There is no reasonable doubt that during the twenty-eight years which had then elapsed since the founding of Manila by Legaspi, several strong and possibly even destructive earthquakes occurred in this part of Luzon Island, but, as the author of the "Verdadera relación de la grande destrucción * * * del año 1645" tells us, "when first founded, Manila consisted of wooden houses roofed with a certain kind of palm leaves, the same which the natives use in their buildings." Hence the damage done by these earthquakes must have been insignificant. Much more terrible were the losses caused by conflagrations which within a few years twice wiped out the entire city.

The first Bishop of Manila, Domingo de Salazar, seeing the city exposed to such general destructions by fire like the one of February 14, 1583, gave the first impulse to the construction of stone buildings and worked indefatigably in this direction. In person he explored the surroundings of Manila in quest of stone quarries and by the middle of the year 1591 he had nearly finished his palace and the cathedral, when financial difficulties caused a temporary suspension of the work. At the same time a great number of public and private buildings were under construction. The enthusiasm for structures of stone or brick with tile roofs did not diminish during the next fifty years. The chroniclers tell us that "the Spaniards began to build their houses of stone and tiles without the so necessary precautions against earthquakes. * * * Beautiful structures and dwelling houses were reared, so high and spacious that they resembled palaces; magnificent churches with lofty and graceful towers, within the walls of Manila as well as outside of them: all of which made the city very beautiful and gay and contributed equally to health and pleasure." The disaster of 1645, commonly called the earthquake of St. Andrew, as it occurred on the feast of this apostle, November 30, razed nearly every one of these buildings to the ground, and since then the style and appearance of buildings has changed greatly throughout the Archipelago, with a correspondingly great saving of lives in the subsequent earthquakes.

Masonry arches were henceforth banished from the churches; the heavy walls of the latter were further strengthened by massive buttresses; and the towers were given truly enormous substructures. But even with these precautions there is at present hardly one out of the hundreds of churches built during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries which did not some time or other require important repairs of its masonry work or even partial reconstruction owing to earthquake damages. The only structure of this class which thus far has withstood all convulsions, is the church of St. Agustin, Manila. Nevertheless, as we have stated before, the chroniclers hardly mention all this destruction, except in a very general and cursory manner. I do not hesitate to say: they were accustomed to see similar havoc created nearly every year in one part of the Archipelago or the other by some severe typhoon, accompanied by far greater loss of lives and property, and consequently much more felt by the people than the destruction of a church, convento, municipal building ("tribunal"), one or two bridges, or other masonry structure."

16th Century

Date						Intensity	Epicenter and Effects
	Year	Month	Day	Hour	Minute
1	1599	June	25	3	20	IX	Manila and neighboring provinces. Damaged many private buildings in Manila; cracked the vault of the Jesuit Church so badly that it had to be demolished and replaced by a ceiling; fissured the walls and ruined the roof of Santo Domingo Church.
The inclusion criteria for adding events are based on WikiProject Earthquakes' notability guideline that was developed for stand alone articles. The principles described are also applicable to lists. In summary, only damaging, injurious, or deadly events should be recorded.

17th Century

Bird's eye view of Manila, circa 1665

Date						Intensity	Epicenter and Effects
	Year	Month	Day	Hour	Minute
2	1600	January	2	0	0	VIII	Earthquake of destructive force and long duration in Manila; extent of damage unknown.
3	1600	November	—	—	—	VI	Violent and protracted earthquake.
4	1601	January	16	0	—	VIII	Manila and adjacent provinces. Did considerable damage to some churches and many private houses in Manila. Its duration was unusually great, it being said that during 7 minutes the shocks were almost continuous. There were several dead and a great number of injured. The repetitions were frequent throughout the year.
5	1608	December	3	—	—	VI-VII	Leyte Island. Violent chiefly in the country around Dulag and Palo (East coast of northern Leyte). It does not appear to have been destructive.
6	1610	November	—	—	—	IX	Manila and provinces east of it. Several writers call it a "terrible earthquake which progressed from E to W."
7	1620	—	—	—	—	IX	Panay Island. Great convulsions of the ground; the Aklan River changed its course. The few stone buildings in the affected districts, as, for instance, the church at Passi, Province of Iloilo, were badly cracked, the wooden structures either fell, owing to the snapping of the uprights, or remained inclined in various directions. The provinces which suffered most were those of Iloilo and Capiz.
8	1627	August	—	—	—	X	Northern Luzon. The historians mention it as one of the earthquakes which caused the greatest convulsions in northern Luzon, especially in Ilocos Norte and Cagayan, but above all in the region of the Central Central Cordillera, Lepanto, and Bontoc. The data are somewhat vague. It is said that part of the northern Caraballo Mountains subsided.
9	1628	—	—	—	—	IX	Camarines and Albay. A destructive earthquake in which, it is said, a mountain burst and emitted a river of water and mud which swept away the town of Camarines and others. The name of Camarines was at the time used to designate the present town of Camalig and the district near the southern slopes of Mayon Volcano. The flood mentioned was probably an avalanche of water, sand, volcanic ashes, and lapilli, such as also on other occasions have occurred on the slopes of the same volcano during periods of torrential rains.
10	1636	December	21	—	—	IX	Western Mindanao. Destructive earthquake. The epicenter appears to have been in Illana Bay. Great landslides are reported to have occurred at Point Flechas which is between the Bays of Illana and Sibuguey.
11	1641	January	4	—	—	X	Northern Luzon. Destructive earthquake, accompanied by great landslides in the mountains and eruptions of water and mud in the region of northern Luzon which comprises the Provinces of the Ilocos, of Cagayan, and the Cordillera Central. All the historians of the Archipelago mention this cataclysm which occurred shortly after the almost simultaneous eruptions of Sanguir and Jolo.
12	1645	November	30	20	—	X	Main article: 1645 Luzon earthquake The most terrible earthquake recorded in the annals of the Archipelago. It might almost be said that from Manila to Cagayan and Ilocos Norte it left no stone upon the other. In the capital, where during the preceding fifty years a great number of stone buildings had been erected, magnificent churches, palaces, and public buildings, as well as private residences and villas, the destruction was frightful. Ten churches were wrecked entirely, to wit: the Royal Chapel, Cathedral, Santo Domingo, those of the Recollects and Franciscans, Santiago, San Antonio, Nuestra Señora de Guia, and the parish churches of Binondo and San Miguel; only San Agustin and the Jesuit Church remained standing. Twelve monasteries, colleges, and hospitals were likewise converted into ruins. No better fared the palace of the Governor-General, the Real Audiencia and up to 150 of the finest residences which, as one author puts it, "in other cities would have been considerable palaces." The rest of the private houses were damaged to so great an extent that the majority had to be demolished. The number of persons killed exceeded 600 and the total of killed and injured is stated to have been 3,000. Outside of Manila there was a general destruction of villas and other buildings which had been erected on both banks of the Pasig River. Throughout the neighboring provinces the masonry structures built by the missionaries suffered the same fate as those in Manila. From the farthest provinces in the north were reported great alterations of the surface with almost complete disappearance of some native villages, changes in the courses of rivers, subsidences of plains, eruptions of sand, etc. All the writers of the time qualify this disturbance as the most disastrous earthquake not only in Luzon, but likewise in Mindoro, Marinduque, and the other islands south of Luzon. On the other hand, the provinces of Camarines and Albay appear to have suffered little or nothing.
13	1645	December	5	23	—	VIII	The earthquake of November 30 was followed by almost daily repetitions and countless aftershocks, one of which, on December 5, was of such intensity as to finish the wrecking of many buildings, "leaving [as a chronicler writes] the city in such condition that it was impossible to walk through it." Aftershocks of variable force continued to be very frequent throughout an entire year; that is, until the end of 1646.
14	1646	March	—	—	—	VI	According to several chroniclers, the aforementioned aftershocks were more were more frequent and of greater intensity during the month of March, some of them assuming a violent character.
15	1648	—	—	—	—	VIII	Southern Luzon. Very violent earthquake, damaging many buildings (Von Hoff).
16	1653	May	1	—	—	VI	Earthquake in Manila and surrounding provinces.
17	1658	August	20	17	—	IX	Destructive earthquake. Some historians maintain that it was as severe as that of 1645; but it caused fewer ruins, partly on account of its short duration, partly because it found buildings of less height and greater power or resistance than those erected before 1645. Nevertheless it destroyed the monastery of Santa Clara and did great damage to the churches and monasteries of the Dominicans and Recollects, likewise to the archiepiscopal palace, the Jesuit College, and a considerable number of private buildings. The epicentral region appears to have included only the southern part of Luzon.
18	1665	June	19	—	—	VIII	Destructive in Manila and adjacent provinces. In the ruins of numerous houses 19 persons perished and many more were injured. Of public buildings only the Jesuit Church is mentioned as having suffered to some extent.
19	1675	February	—	—	—	VIII	Destructive in northern Mindoro and Batangas Province. Mention is made of extensive landslides, the opening of many fissures and the subsidence of large tracts on the beach of the northeast coast of Mindoro. The repetitions were many and severe.
20	1683	August	24	—	—	VII	Damaged some buildings in Manila.
21	1687	February	—	—	—	VI	Several violent earthquakes, which, however, caused no notable damages.
22	1699	—	—	—	—	VII	Many chroniclers assure us that during this year and the following destructive earthquakes visited Manila; but there is great confusion as to the days and months in which they occurred.
The inclusion criteria for adding events are based on WikiProject Earthquakes' notability guideline that was developed for stand alone articles. The principles described are also applicable to lists. In summary, only damaging, injurious, or deadly events should be recorded.

18th Century

Walled City of Manila, detail from Carta Hydrographica y Chorographica de las Yslas Filipinas (1734)

Date						Intensity	Epicenter and Effects
	Year	Month	Day	Hour	Minute
23	1716	September	24	—	—	VII	Vicinity of Taal Volcano. Violent in Manila and the Provinces of Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, and Batangas. Connected with an eruption of the volcano. At each spasm of the latter the earth shook so violently that many buildings in Manila and the provinces mentioned suffered much harm, especially those in the vicinity of Lake Bombon, within which is situated the said volcano.
24	1728	November	28	—	—	IX	Remarkable on account of its having been very perceptible throughout the entire Archipelago. Caused considerable damage in Manila and towns in southern Luzon.
25	1730	—	—	—	—	IX	Destructive in the Provinces of Tayabas and Laguna; ruined the church and the church and convento at Mauban and other buildings in this and other towns of the two provinces.
26	1743	—	—	—	—	IX	Destructive in Tayabas Province, wrecking masonry structures in the town of Tayabas and others.
27	1749	August	12	9	—	IX	A violent eruption of Taal Volcano, which caused great havoc in all the towns on the shores of Lake Bombon. The shocks which accompanied each of the intermittent outbursts of the volcano were so severe that they left hardly any building undamaged throughout the provinces in the neighborhood of Manila—Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Tayabas, and in northern Mindoro. The convulsions of the ground were very remarkable; displacement occurred and fissures, both wide and deep, opened in the entire Province of Batangas and likewise in Cavite Province, up to Lake Bay. As the shocks occurred during many days, the majority of Manila's inhabitants abandoned the Walled City and lived under tents or in structures of bamboo and nipa. The greatest force of the earthquakes and, consequently, the greatest upheavals seem to have occurred in the region stretching from Taal Volcano toward Talim Island (Lake Bay) and the Antipolo Mountain Range. Repetitions and aftershocks were frequent during nearly a year.
28	1754	May	15	21	—	X	Another eruption of Taal Volcano, the most terrible in the history of the Islands. All the towns which surrounded Lake Bombon were destroyed completely. When rebuilt, they were placed at a distance from the lake. There occurred most violent earthquakes which produced disasters in the neighboring provinces equal too, if not exceeding those of 1749. The spasms, separated by intervals of greater or less duration, lasted 7 months, the principal outbursts being always accompanied by very intense earthquakes which made themselves felt throughout a large part of Luzon, on Mindoro Island, and northern Panay.
29	1766	December	7	10	45	VII	A violent earthquake, but did very slight damage in Manila. During the month many more earthquakes of less intensity were felt; in fact they had been frequent ever since the preceding August. There exist no data concerning the provinces around Manila.
30	1767	February	8	1	5	VII	Manila and neighboring provinces. Violent earthquake, preceded and followed by numerous shocks of smaller intensity.
31	1767	November	13	15	25	VII	Very violent. In Manila a few walls fell and tile roofs sagged. Slight repetitions marked the succeeding days. Nothing is known of the happenings in the near-by provinces.
32	1770	December	—	23	—	VIII	Destructive earthquake. Mr. Sonnerat states that it wrecked many houses in Manila. This traveler was at the time on board a ship in the very Bay of Manila; hence it is very strange that he does not give the day of the month on which the disaster took place.
33	1771	February	1	—	—	VIII	Very severe earthquake which laid in ruins several buildings in Manila, express mention being made of the Church of Nuestra Señora de Guia in Ermita, a suburb of Manila. This is probably the same disturbance which, according to some writers, in the beginning of February damaged the church of Antipolo and others in La Laguna and Cavite Provinces.
34	1783	April	19	—	—	VI	Violent earthquake in Dapitan and the whole of northwestern Mindanao.
35	1787	May	13	6	—	VIII	Very violent in southern Panay, especially in the Province of Iloilo.
36	1787	July	13	7	—	X	Panay Island. A terrible earthquake which left the whole island strewn with ruins. Of 15 to 20 churches and conventos in Iloilo Province only two or three remained standing; in the two other provinces, Capiz and Antique, the destruction was less universal. Even the thick walls of the fort at Iloilo were breached in many places. There were subsidences in the plains and landslides in the mountains and mighty fissures opened. It is stated that the victims were numerous: in one building 15 persons perished.
37	1796	—	—	—	—	IX	Many writers assert that during this year a most violent earthquake shook Manila and was followed by severe repetitions during the succeeding 20 days. But, although all agree that the quake was destructive, not one of them gives precise information as to its effects.
38	1797	February - March	—	14	—	VII	A violent earthquake but not destructive in Manila took place between February 11 and March 7. It fissured walls and ruined tile roofs.
The inclusion criteria for adding events are based on WikiProject Earthquakes' notability guideline that was developed for stand alone articles. The principles described are also applicable to lists. In summary, only damaging, injurious, or deadly events should be recorded.

19th Century

San Agustin Church, Manila after the 1880 earthquake

The belfry of Manila Cathedral after the series of destructive earthquakes of July 1880.

Manila Cathedral before the 1880 earthquake

Manila Cathedral after the 1880 earthquake

Scenes from the 1880 Luzon earthquakes

Date						Intensity	Epicenter and Effects
	Year	Month	Day	Hour	Minute
39	1811	October	5	—	—	IX	Destructive earthquake in Camarines Province. It wrecked many churches, conventos, and other buildings throughout the province, from San Miguel Bay to the vicinity of Albay.
40	1814	February	2	—	—	VII	Albay. Violent earthquakes which preceded and accompanied the great eruption of Mayon Volcano, Province of Albay. Several towns situated on the slopes of the mountain were destroyed by this outburst, while others, at a greater distance, suffered less severely.
41	1818	—	—	—	—	VII	Dapitan, northwestern Mindanao. Several violent earthquakes with countless repetitions distributed through 6 months.
42	1824	January	—	—	—	VII	Earthquake, violent in Manila and destructive in Cagayan and Isabela Provinces, northeastern Luzon.
43	1824	September	29	—	—	IX	Central Luzon. Destructive, making many ruins throughout the Provinces of Tayabas, Laguna, Rizal, and Nueva Ecija. The churches of Cavinti and Lukban were destroyed, that of Antipolo and others badly damaged.
44	1824	October	26	—	—	IX	Destructive in Manila and neighboring provinces. Spoiled the Bridge of Spain and the barracks in its vicinity, the church of Saint Francis and others and many private houses. Frightened by the continual repetitions, people left the city to live in nipa houses and under tents. The undulations seemed to come from north-northwest.
45	1828	November	9	18	30	VIII	Destructive earthquake. Damaged several churches in Manila, likewise the prison and many private residences. The shocks appeared to advance from south to north.
46	1830	January	18	17	—	IX	Southern Luzon. Destructive in the Provinces of Rizal, Laguna, and Tayabas. In Manila the damage was confined to the cracking of walls and the falling of such as had little power of resistance; but toward Laguna and Tayabas the destruction was greater; the complete destruction of the church and convento of Mauban is expressly mentioned.
47	1836	January	5	—	—	VII	Very violent earthquake in western Mindanao. The epicenter was in Illana Bay. Severe shocks were felt in Cotabato and Zamboanga, 250 kilometers distant from each other.
48	1840	—	—	—	—	IX	Destructive earthquake in Sorsogon and Masbate. Ruined the masonry buildings. In Sorsogon Bay extensive subsidences occurred; the sea invaded the town, causing great destruction and claiming many victims.
49	1852	September	16	18	45	IX	Central Luzon. Destructive earthquake which made itself felt with violence in the Provinces of Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Tayabas, Bataan, Zambales, Pampanga, Bulacan, and Nueva Ecija. In Manila it damaged severely a great number of buildings, among them the cathedral and the churches of the Jesuits, San Miguel, and Paco, the church and convento at Pandacan (near Manila), and many houses. It is stated that the damage was (relatively) vastly greater in the Provinces of Bataan, Cavite, and Batangas, where many fissures opened and subsidences and landslides occurred. The zone most severely chastised seems to have stretched from the Zambales Mountain Range as far as the coasts of Batangas and Northern Mindoro. Aftershocks were frequent until the middle of October.
50	1852	September	25	—	—	VI	Very strong earthquake in Camarines and Albay Provinces.
51	1852	December	24	—	—	IX	Destructive earthquake in Batangas Province and northern Mindoro. Ruined many buildings, among which were the church of Taal and the church and convento of Bauang; the church of Batangas likewise suffered severely.
52	1853	—	—	—	—	VIII	Destructive earthquake in Camarines Province. Made ruins in many towns of the southeastern part of the province, express mention being made of the church, convento, tribunal, and the schools of Pulangui.
53	1855	March	22	—	—	VIII	Very violent earthquake in southeastern Luzon. Caused likewise some ruins in the Provinces of Camarines, Albay, and Sorsogon.
54	1858	—	—	—	—	VI	Very strong earthquakes throughout the district of Cotabato and the south of Lanao district; but it is not known whether they caused extensive damages.
55	1862	March	4	17	30	VII	Violent earthquake; cracked some buildings in Manila and the neighboring provinces.
56	1862	July	13	16	2	VII	Violent earthquake which displayed its greatest intensity to the east-northeast of Manila, in the vicinity of Casiguran and Baler Bays. Damaged the church and convento of Baler. Several aftershocks followed during the next 4 days.
57	1862	September	9	3	—	VIII	Ilocos Norte and Cagayan. The epicenter lay within the Central Cordillera. Did some damage to the church of Piddig and to other towns situated near the Cordillera.
58	1862	October	30	12	30	VI	Laguna Province. Very strong earthquake, doing slight damage in the towns south of Lake Bay and close to the volcanic cone of Mount Maquiling.
59	1863	June	3	19	20	X	Main article: 1863 Manila earthquake Manila and adjacent provinces. A disastrous earthquake, comparable with that of 1645. Laid in ruins the cathedral and nearly all the other churches, except San Agustin, the palace of the Governor-General, the Audiencia, the barracks, warehouses, etc.; all in all, 46 public buildings in ruins and 25 others badly damaged. Of private houses 570 were destroyed, 531 left tottering. Total, 1,172 buildings in ruins or badly damaged. The number of victims was appalling. It is estimated that in Manila and the surrounding towns alone the number of killed reached 400, that of the injured 2,000. The catastrophe likewise involved many towns in Rizal, Laguna, and Cavite, where it destroyed churches and a great number of houses.
60	1863	June	9	—	—	VII	Violent earthquake which in Manila and neighboring towns brought to the ground several buildings left in a tottering condition by the preceding disturbance.
61	1864	January	3	—	—	VI	Origin, south of Illana Bay. It was felt very strongly both at Zamboanga and Cotabato; the former west, the latter east of the bay mentioned.
62	1865	November	23	4	—	VI	Strong earthquake which caused great excitement in Manila and adjacent provinces.
63	1866	December	29	3	—	VII	Ilocos Norte. Very violent earthquake. Damaged several buildings at Laoag and in other towns of the province.
64	1867	January	5	9	45	VI	Albay Province. Very strong earthquake.
65	1867	March	26	13	—	VI	Ilocos Norte. Very strong earthquake. Shocks of varying intensity were frequent in this province during the months December, 1866, to April, 1867.
66	1867	December	27	9	11	VI	Samar Island. Very strong and prolonged earthquake.
67	1868	April	4	—	—	VI	Leyte Island. Very strong earthquake.
68	1868	June	29	8	11	VI	Panay Island. Very strong earthquake in Iloilo and other towns of the southern part of the island. Frequent, but weak shocks had been felt since June 7.
69	1869	August	16	15	—	IX	Masbate Island. Disastrous earthquake. Destroyed the few masonry buildings extant on the island and ruined or inclined hundreds of houses of wood or light materials; large trees fell, fissures opened, and vast landslides occurred in the mountains and along the coasts, especially in the south of the island. Countless repetitions followed, over 100 of the more severe ones having been counted during the first fortnight after the earthquake.
70	1869	October	1	11	35	VIII	Neighboring provinces east and south of Manila, and northern Mindoro. On Luzon the provinces chiefly affected were Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, and Batangas. In Manila this earthquake did considerable damage to quite a number of buildings. In the Provinces of Cavite and Batangas a few churches and conventos were wrecked. There was no loss of life. Repetitions were frequent during the 5 days immediately following the earthquake.
71	1869	October	23	16	30	VII	Very violent earthquake in southern Luzon, especially in Laguna Province. Slightly damaged some buildings.
72	1870	March	2	3	—	VI	Northeastern Samar. Very strong earthquake.
73	1870	May	23	23	55	VII	Northern Luzon. Very violent earthquake in the Provinces of Ilocos Norte, Cagayan, Isabela, and the northern part of the Mountain Province.
74	1870	November	4	4	—	VII	Central Mindanao. A violent earthquake whose epicenter lay between the Gulf of Davao and the Province of Misamis. During the months of November and December occurred many repetitions, some of them very intense.
75	1871	February	21	4	—	IX	Camiguin Island. Destructive earthquake which affected only the extreme north of the island, where subsequently, on the 30th of April, a volcano which had been believed extinct, burst forth again near its base. This great earthquake was the first of a series of shocks which preceded the eruption. It ruined many buildings constructed of wood, and rent asunder the massive walls of the churches at Mambajao and Catarman, while in the mountains it caused many landslides. Between February 21 and April 30, the date of the volcanic eruption, four violent earthquakes were felt on Camiguin and the neighboring Islands of Mindanao, Cebu, Bohol, etc., aside from countless shocks of less intensity. With the eruption, the earthquakes ceased completely.
76	1871	June	28	5	30	VI	District of Davao, southeastern Mindanao. Violent earthquake throughout the region surrounding Davao Gulf, with frequent aftershocks during the ensuing 8 days.
77	1871	July	11	21	19	VI	Very strong earthquake, remarkable for its wide extension, as it was felt strongly in all the provinces of Luzon north of the sixteenth parallel of north latitude. Repetitions were frequent for three or four days.
78	1871	October	4	20	30	VII	District of Davao, southeastern Mindanao. A very violent earthquake, shaking the region around the Gulf of Davao.
79	1871	November	5	9	—	VII	Surigao, northeastern Mindanao. Very violent and prolonged earthquake in the Province of Surigao; also remarkable for its extension, being felt intensely throughout eastern Mindanao and perceptible on all the Visayan Islands.
80	1871	November	29	16	30	VII	Very violent earthquake in western Mindanao and on the Islands of Basilan and Jolo. It caused slight damage to several buildings at Zamboanga.
81	1871	December	8	17	30	IX	Destructive earthquake throughout the districts of Lanao, Cotabato, and Davao, Mindanao. It is reported that at Cotabato and Pollok not a single building remained standing; the happenings in the Moro villages and forts are not known. Even in Davao, at a distance of 200 kilometers, it developed great violence. Within one hour three series of most violent shocks were experienced, accompanied by subterraneous rumblings.
82	1871	December	9	7	30	VIII	Most violent earthquake in the same regions of Lanao and Cotabato, which completed the devastation of the preceding. Also in this earthquake several separate groups of shocks could be distinguished, which occurred within the space of a little more than half an hour. The subterranean noises were much stronger than on the preceding day and caused consternation. During the first few days following these quakes occurred uncounted repetitions, some of which, like the principal earthquakes, were perceptible not only throughout Mindanao, but likewise in the Visayas up to distances exceeding 500 kilometers.
83	1871	December	19	22	30	VII	Very violent earthquake throughout the length of eastern Mindanao, from Surigao to Davao. It was likewise very perceptible on Samar and Leyte Islands. For a number of days there were many repetitions, some of them very intense, notably those which took place on the 21st and 22d.
84	1872	January	26	19	30	VII	Violent earthquake close to the coast of Zambales, near the town of Agno. The shock was repeated ten to twelve times, accompanied by subterraneous noises; an extraordinary wave was seen in the sea close to the coast and in the Agno River which empties into the sea near the town. The affected area was very small, which makes it appear probable that the cause must be sought in some displacements in the scarps of the coast.
85	1872	January	27	16	30	VI	Very strong earthquake in the Province of Ilocos Norte, followed by numerous repetitions of considerable intensity during the 28th, 29th, and 30th.
86	1872	July	22	22	50	VI	Camarines and Albay. Very strong earthquake, followed by frequent repetitions during the next two days.
87	1872	August	24	21	—	VI	District of Davao, southeastern Mindanao. Very strong and prolonged earthquake in the vicinity of Mount Apo; repetitions somewhat frequent during several days.
88	1872	September	6	0	—	VI	Violent earthquake in northern Samar, Catanduanes Island, and the Provinces of Sorsogon and Albay, having its origin to the northeast of San Bernardino Strait. On the same and the following day occurred four repetitions of moderate intensity.
89	1872	September	10	20	20	VI	Very strong earthquake in the northern part of the Mountain Province, Luzon, which, during the month, was preceded and followed by other shocks of less intensity.
90	1872	December	29	11	48	VIII	Most violent earthquake in the region southwest of Manila, which is comprised between the Zambales Mountain Range and the northern part of Mindoro. It did considerable damage to buildings in the Provinces of Bataan, Cavite, and Batangas. The towns which suffered most severely were Balanga, Tuy, Nasugbu, Calaca, Balayan, Taal, and Batangas. Several shocks of small intensity preceded the principal quake between 6 and 9 o'clock.
91	1873	January	16	23	45	VI	An earthquake which was very strong in Batangas Province and strong in northern Mindoro and the Provinces of Tayabas, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, and Bulacan. During the preceding days several light shocks had been felt.
92	1873	March	18	13	—	VIII	Southern Samar. Destructive earthquake whose meizoseismic area included only the town of Mercedes—where some walls were thrown down and others cracked—and a few unimportant villages in the vicinity, situated on the Pacific coast, near which was the seat of disturbance.
93	1873	March	31	1	58	VII	Northern Luzon. This earthquake was violent in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and the Mountain Province. It was remarkable for its duration of nearly one minute. The resulting damage was negligible.
94	1873	June	11	23	15	VI	This earthquake was violent in northeastern Mindoro and very strong on Romblon and Marinduque Islands, likewise in the Province of Batangas. During June, July, and August the same region experienced several shocks of less intensity.
95	1873	November	14	17	30	VIII	Destructive earthquake in Tayabas Province and on Marinduque Island. It caused great harm in towns of Mauban, Lucban, and others in northeastern Tayabas, and likewise at Boac and Santa Cruz on Marinduque. Many repetitions of smaller intensity occurred during that day and the following.
96	1874	January	17	4	—	VI	Sorsogon Province and Masbate Island. Intense earthquake, followed by frequent light repetitions and five strong earthquakes during the months of February and March.
97	1874	April	14	6	45	VI	Northern Luzon. A very strong earthquake throughout northern Luzon; that is, in the provinces north of the 16th parallel of latitude. Its center appears to have been near the Ilocos coast.
98	1874	July	8	10	32	VI	Central Luzon. Strong earthquake in the Provinces of Pangasinan, Union, Benguet, Nueva Vizcaya, Isabela, Tarlac, Zambales, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, and Bulacan. The epicenter was near the shores of Casiguran Bay.
99	1874	August	25	6	30	VIII	Destructive earthquake in Zamboanga, western Mindanao. It did considerable damage to masonry buildings and overturned walls. Many large fissures opened near the beach of the sea.
100	1874	September	16	10	9	VII	Violent earthquake in central and eastern Luzon, with innumerable repetitions until the end of October. The center lay near Casiguran Bay. The provinces affected most were northern Camarines, Tayabas, Laguna, Rizal, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, and Isabela.
101	1875	March	9	3	30	VII	Very violent earthquake in Abra and the Mountain Province. Destroyed some houses and caused landslides on the mountain sides, ruining rice terraces. It was preceded by feeble shocks and followed by many repetitions until the 14th.
102	1876	May	19	11	30	VIII	An earthquake which displayed destructive force in the Camarines. Considerable damage resulted to many buildings in Daet, Nueva Caceres, Iriga, Buhi, and some other towns. The duration of this earthquake was quite unusual. Many repetitions were felt during the following five days.
103	1877	June	2	11	6	VI	Very strong earthquake throughout central Luzon. The meizoseismal area comprised the northern and east-northeastern part of Pangasinan Province. The shocks had still considerable force on the southern and northern coast of Luzon, at distances of about 300 kilometers.
104	1877	June	24	7	—	VII	Very violent earthquake in Batangas and Cavite Provinces, in the vicinity of Taal Volcano. During the 5 hours immediately preceding the quake, seven series of violent shocks were felt. The earthquake cracked many walls in the towns closest to Lake Bombon.
105	1877	July	5	12	7	VII	Violent earthquake in Camarines, which did no damage, but is remarkable on account of its having been felt with considerable force throughout a great part of Luzon and the Visayas. It was followed by very many aftershocks of variable intensity, 20 having been recorded during the first 24 hours following the earthquake.
106	1877	July	23	16	24	VII	Leyte Island. Very violent earthquake, doing some harm in the northern part of the island.
107	1878	August	13	12	14	VI	Very strong earthquake of great extension. Its epicenter was southwest of Luzon, near the western coast of Cavite and Zambales Provinces. It was felt intensely from Mindoro to the Provinces of Union and Isabela.
108	1878	September	17	0	50	VII	Violent earthquake to the west of the Gulf of Davao, in the neighborhood of Apo Volcano. Many buildings of Davao suffered seriously. Repetitions were frequent until the 22d.
109	1879	July	1	2	38	X	Surigao Peninsula. Destructive earthquake, with disastrous results to buildings and the topography of the region. Not a single stone building remained inhabitable, although some of them, like the church, government house, and prison at Surigao, were of most solid construction. Besides the opening of innumerable fissures and vast landslides on the coasts and in the mountains, there occurred extensive subsidences: several accurate observations seem to prove that a great part of the peninsula was depressed by about 2 feet. In short, this earthquake was one of those which produced the greatest changes of topography experienced in the Philippines. There followed other very strong quakes on July 5, 24, and 28, and August 8, with countless repetitions of less importance during several months. From July 1 to 15 occurred on the average 5 perceptible shocks per day.
110	1879	August	29	6	—	VI	District of Cotabato, Mindanao. Very strong earthquake which closed a series of quakes which had begun on the 10th of the month. Of these, two felt on the 13th and one on the 21st had been rather intense.
111	1879	September	28	—	—	VI	District of Davao, Mindanao. Very strong earthquake followed by some repetitions. On the 16th of the same month a somewhat less intense earthquake had been felt in the same region.
112	1879	October	14	9	—	VII	Ilocos Norte. Very violent earthquake which damaged buildings in the town of Baccarra.
113	1879	December	19	—	—	VII	Ilocos Norte. Very violent earthquake resulting in damaged buildings at Laoag and other towns of the province.
114	1880	March	28	5	4	VI	Very strong earthquake in eastern Panay and the northwestern part of Negros Island.
115	1880	July	15	0	53	VIII	Eastern part of Luzon. Destructive earthquake in the Provinces of Tayabas and Laguna. It damaged to some extent all masonry structures, both public and private, in the towns east of Lake Bay.
116	1880	July	18	12	40	IX	Central and southern Luzon. Destructive earthquake affecting the Provinces of Tayabas, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Bulacan, Bataan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, and Pangasinan. In Manila, as well as in the towns of the provinces mentioned, the earthquake did incalculable harm to buildings, besides causing subsidences, fissures, lateral displacements and similar effects, especially in the alluvial lands along the banks of the Rivers Pasig, the Great and Little Pampanga, and the Agno.
117	1880	July	20	15	40	VIII	Earthquake of destructive violence in the towns surrounding Lake Bay, especially in those south and west of the lake.     Within the epicentral region of the three preceding earthquakes, which measures about 300 kilometers from north to south and 200 kilometers from east to west, severe damage was done to the principal stone buildings, such as churches, conventos, court-houses, schools, and a few private houses, of 112 of the city principal towns. In the of Manila some 30 public buildings (administration buildings, barracks, churches, monasteries, and colleges) and about 200 private houses of strong materials were either wrecked or badly damaged. Fortunately the number of victims was not in proportion to the magnitude of the disaster, neither in Manila nor in the provinces. From the various reports published at the time we conclude that the number of killed did not exceed 20, nor that of the injured 50.
118	1880	September	23	22	30	VI	Strong earthquake along the Zambales coast, western Luzon. Frequent repetitions until October 2d.
119	1881	July	11	12	35	VI	Very strong earthquake in southern Panay and northwestern Negros.
120	1881	July	27	16	30	VII	Violent earthquake in the Province of Nueva Vizcaya. This was the first violent forerunner of the innumerable shocks which during the months of August, September, and October were to spread devastation and terror throughout this province.
121	1881	September	1	12	20	IX	Destructive earthquake in Nueva Vizcaya.
122	1881	September	18	4	55	VIII	Destructive earthquake in Nueva Vizcaya.
123	1881	September	18	22	40	VIII	Destructive earthquake in Nueva Vizcaya.
124	1881	September	20	14	25	VIII	Destructive earthquake in Nueva Vizcaya.     This memorable seismic period of Nueva Vizcaya ended after October 15. During August and September a missionary made a list comprising over 150 distinct earthquakes, without including countless repetitions of smaller intensity. The effects of these earthquakes were more notable by the alterations in the topography of the region than by the damage done to buildings, as the latter were of wood and thatched with cogon grass. The inhabitants were terror-stricken and the authorities had to work hard to prevent a general exodus from the country.
125	1882	April	10	19	30	VI	District of Cotabato, Mindanao. Violent earthquake, preceded by subterraneous rumblings and followed by frequent repetitions. Already during March some very strong shocks had preceded.
126	1882	October	10	16	57	VII	Violent earthquake in Camarines Province with several repetitions.
127	1882	December	6	—	—	VII	Very violent earthquake in the north of Cebu Island and southern Masbate.
128	1883	February	10	3	28	VII	Very violent earthquake in Nueva Vizcaya and Benguet Provinces. It had been preceded by a strong shock at 12h 20m of the 6th.
129	1884	January	10	7	22	VII	Very violent earthquake near the southern coasts of Camarines Province, followed by a strong quake on the 11th and by numerous repetitions.
130	1884	June	5	—	—	VI	Very strong earthquake in the Province of Misamis, northern Mindanao. Repeated with the same intensity at 8h and 13h.
131	1884	October	29	4	10	VI	Very strong earthquake in the whole south and southeast of Luzon, chiefly in the Provinces of Laguna, Tayabas, Camarines, Albay, and Sorsogon; likewise on Masbate Island. Many repetitions occurred until the end of November.
132	1884	December	24	5	—	VI	Samar, Leyte, and northeast Mindanao. Very strong earthquake, with very severe repetitions on the 26th, 27th, and 28th.
133	1885	February	22	15	30	VIII	East coast of Mindanao. Destructive earthquake, which did extensive damage to the churches and other buildings of stone or wood and caused mighty fissures and landslides in the mountains as well as in the scarps of the Pacific coast.
134	1885	July	23	22	45	IX	Northwestern Mindanao. Destructive earthquake which ruined several buildings in the towns and villages of the Dapitan district. The origin lay in the east-northeastern part of the Sulu Sea. The disturbance was felt strongly in nearly all of the Visayan Islands, in western Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago. Repetitions were frequent until the end of October, those of July 31, September 9, September 23, and October 25 being very intense.
135	1885	September	30	6	—	VI	Northeastern Mindanao and southeastern Leyte. Very strong earthquake, followed by many repetitions.
136	1885	November	19	21	31	VII	Very violent earthquake in the Provinces of Nueva Vizcaya, Isabela, and Benguet, followed by strong repetitions on December 8, 19, and 27.
137	1886	April	10	8	—	VI	Very strong earthquake in the southeast of Panay and northwest of Negros Islands.
138	1887	February	2	23	—	IX	Panay Island. Destructive earthquake, causing notable damages, especially in the towns of the Provinces of Iloilo and Capiz. The two days following the earthquake brought many aftershocks.
139	1887	March	24	21	14	VIII	Camarines Province. Destructive earthquake doing considerable harm in several towns in the vicinity of Nueva Caceres. The 25th witnessed a very intense repetition, while lighter aftershocks were frequent until the month of May.
140	1888	January	27	3	45	VI	Very strong earthquake in eastern Mindanao, which had its epicenter in the Agusan River Valley.
141	1888	August	19	14	39	VI	Northeastern Luzon. Very strong earthquake, especially in the Provinces of Cagayan and Isabela, followed by many repetitions of varying intensity.
142	1889	January	1	10	20	VII	Northeastern Mindanao. Violent earthquake in the districts of Surigao and Butuan. Repeated with equal force at 21h 40m of the 12th, doing slight damage to buildings in Surigao, Placer, and Gigaquit, and opening numerous fissures in the ground. Repetitions were very frequent throughout the month, more than 100 having been recorded until the 22d.
143	1889	February	5	15	53	VIII	Western Mindanao. Destructive earthquake whose origin lay south of Illana Bay. It was felt with equal force at Zamboanga and Cotabato, each at a distance of more than 100 kilometers from the epicenter, but did no harm worth mentioning.
144	1889	May	26	2	23	VIII	Destructive earthquake in the Province of Batangas and northern Mindoro. It wrecked the church at Ibaan and severely damaged the church and other buildings in Batangas, Bauang, Calapan, and several other towns.
145	1889	October	6	11	10	VII	Very violent earthquake throughout eastern Mindanao, with epicenter in the valley of the Agusan River. It was very perceptible in every part of the island and on many of the Visayas.
146	1890	February	7	0	10	VIII	Destructive earthquake in northern Leyte which split walls in Barugo, Carigara, and other towns, and produced large fissures in the lowlands along the coast. On the 7th and 8th occurred 2 strong and more than 20 light repetitions.
147	1890	April	13	14	4	VI	Northern Luzon. Very strong earthquake in Ilocos Norte and Sur, the Mountain Province, Cagayan, and Isabela. A repetition occurring at 20h developed the same intensity.
148	1891	June	25	20	10	VII	Very violent earthquake in eastern Mindanao whose center was in the Agusan River Valley. Slightly damaged buildings at Davao and Butuan, situated 100 kilometers south and north, respectively, of the focus.
149	1892	March	8	—	—	VIII	Batanes Islands. Destructive earthquake. All that is known of the effects is that it wrecked some buildings at Santo Domingo and other towns on Batan Island.
150	1892	March	16	20	58	X	Disastrous earthquake in the Provinces of Pangasinan, Union, and Benguet. It created great havoc in the masonry buildings, such as churches, conventos, court-houses, and schools, besides a few private houses, of 30 of the principal towns within the meizoseismic area, produced great fissures and extensive subsidences in the alluvial plains, and many landslides in the steep mountains of northern Pangasinan. Luckily the falling buildings killed only one or two persons. Repetitions were frequent up to the end of the month; of these three occurring on the 17th and one each on the 26th and 28th were of exceptional intensity.
151	1892	March	17	0	34	VII	Very violent earthquake in the region mentioned under No. 150. Wrecked some buildings damaged by the preceding.
152	1893	March	9	0	35	VI	Central Luzon. Very strong earthquake in the Provinces of Nueva Vizcaya, Benguet, and Pangasinan.
153	1893	April	12	13	48	VI	Very strong earthquake in Camarines, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, and northern Samar. Its epicenter was close to Masbate Island.
154	1893	June	3	6	23	VII	Violent earthquake in the whole western part of Mindanao, proceeding from the neighborhood of Illana Bay.
155	1893	June	21	14	50	X	Disastrous earthquake in the Agusan River Valley. The fact that there was no general destruction of buildings with heavy loss of life is due solely to the circumstance that the region affected contained only structures of bamboo and nipa. The effects of the convulsions on the topography of the region give an idea of what the consequences of the quake might have been had it found another class of buildings. There are indications that in the southern part of the valley an area of many square kilometers subsided to a considerable extent. Repetitions were frequent throughout an entire year.
156	1893	July	1	4	8	VII	Very violent earthquake in the valley of the Agusan River.
157	1893	December	24	0	24	VI	Very strong earthquake in southeastern Luzon, northern Samar, and Masbate. The epicenter lay northeast of Masbate Island, close to Capul Island, on which latter the quake was violent. Repeated at 18h 2m of the same day.
158	1894	February	10	0	42	VIII	Destructive earthquake in southeastern Mindanao, having its epicenter in the region east of Davao Gulf. It produced many fissures and displacements in the mountains and cracked a few houses of wood in the towns of Mati and Sigaboy. The aftershocks continued on the 10th and 11th, occurring at intervals of about 5 minutes.
159	1894	February	18	5	23	VI	Very strong earthquake in the valley of the Agusan River which was repeated with the same intensity at 23h 58m of the 19th.
160	1894	April	2	2	34	VI	Very strong earthquake in central Luzon, especially in Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, and Benguet.
161	1894	June	29	2	57	VIII	Agusan River Valley. Destructive earthquake whose effects were similar to those of the earthquake on June 21, 1893 (No. 155). The aftershocks, which had been felt ever since the latter disturbance, increased in force and frequency.
162	1894	June	30	5	50	VII	Violent earthquake in Agusan River Valley. Repeated with the same intensity at 20h 8m.
163	1895	May	14	6	42	VII	Northern Mindoro. Very violent earthquake which damaged considerably the church and convento at Calapan, these being the only masonry buildings in the town. It was repeated with great intensity at 23h 52m of the same day and at 0h 3m of the 17th. On the 14th more than 40 aftershocks of variable intensity were counted.
164	1895	June	7	21	56	VII	Northern Mindoro. Very violent earthquake which ruined part of the church at Calapan. Severe repetitions occurred at 4h 0m and 6h 26m of the 8th.
165	1896	September	13	12	58	VII	Northwestern Luzon. Very violent earthquake which damaged several buildings in Laoag and other towns of Ilocos Norte. Strong repetitions at 16h 45m and 17h 10m.
166	1897	January	18	2	35	VI	Very strong earthquake in the Mountain Province and the Provinces of Isabela and Cagayan. Numerous aftershocks followed during the day.
167	1897	February	16	5	4	VII	Agusan River Valley. Violent earthquake with daily aftershocks during the rest of the month.
168	1897	April	8	21	20	VIII	Agusan River Valley. Destructive earthquake.
169	1897	May	13	19	22	VIII	Masbate Island. Destructive earthquake which heavily damaged several buildings, bridges, and wharves. A strong repetition occurred at 14h 9m of the 15th. Weak aftershocks were frequent until the 27th.
170	1897	August	15	20	17	VIII	Ilocos Sur. Destructive earthquake with epicentric area of 50 kilometers in length and 20 kilometers in width. The towns which suffered most were those between Candon and Vigan.
171	1897	September	21	3	10	VII	Very violent earthquake in northwestern Mindanao. It produced fissures in the ground and slightly injured buildings in the district of Dapitan. More than 36 aftershocks of varying intensity were recorded during the next 10 hours.
172	1897	September	21	13	15	IX	Disastrous earthquake in the district of Zamboanga, Basilan, and Jolo Islands. It wrought great destruction of buildings and produced fissures, landslides, and similar effects. A formidable "tsunami" (tidal wave) claimed hundreds of victims on the western shores of Basilan. This "tsunami" was the most imposing recorded in the seismological history of the Archipelago. There followed innumerable aftershocks during 18 months, 200 having been counted before the middle of October, of which those on September 22, 23, 24, 26, and 29, and October 12 and 15 deserve special mention on account of their great intensity.
173	1897	October	8	5	0	VI	Very strong earthquake in the district of Davao.
174	1897	October	19	8	5	IX	Northern Samar. Destructive earthquake which damaged to a considerable extent buildings in Sulat, Palapag, Catubic, Oras, Gandara, and Laoang, towns near the northern and northeastern coasts of the island, and also produced vast fissures and other notable effects which resulted in the destruction of various bridges and roads.
175	1897	October	19	15	15	VIII	Northern Samar. Most violent earthquake, with results similar to those of the preceding, though less severe. Countless aftershocks continued until the following April, those of October 19, 20, and 21 being the strongest.
176	1897	November	14	8	59	VII	Very violent earthquake, but of very limited epicentral area, in Ilocos Sur, northwestern Luzon. It wrecked the church at Candon.
177	1898	January	30	19	15	VII	Sulu Archipelago. Violent earthquake, preceded by two of less severity at 18h 10m and 18h 36m.
178	1899	December	26	4	20	VI	Very strong earthquake in the Agusan River Valley.
The inclusion criteria for adding events are based on WikiProject Earthquakes' notability guideline that was developed for stand alone articles. The principles described are also applicable to lists. In summary, only damaging, injurious, or deadly events should be recorded.

American period and post–World War II

Early 20th century

1972

1956

1934

1924

1999

1972

1942

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Large earthquakes ≥ 6.4 M_w near the Manila Trench. In 1924, 1934, 1956, 1972, 1999. And the part near Mindoro in 1942 and 1972, both of which were ≥ 7.4.

• A magnitude 7.5 quake struck Northeastern Mindanao on July 11, 1912. Damage and high intensity were experienced by towns of La Paz, Bunawan, Veruela and Talacogon in the Agusan Valley where intense ground shaking, liquefaction, widespread landslides and river/lake seiches occurred.
• The M_w 8.3 Celebes Sea earthquake occurred on August 15, 1918, with a maximum Mercalli intensity of X (Extreme). The offshore shock affected the southern Philippines with high intensity shaking and a destructive tsunami that left 52 people dead.
• A strong magnitude 8.0 earthquake struck Southern Mindanao on April 14, 1924. At least 500 people were killed and many houses were destroyed. A destructive tsunami was also generated, which was observed as far away as Balut Island, Sarangani Bay.
• A magnitude 7.8 M_w earthquake struck Panay Island on January 25, 1948, at 1:46 am. The epicenter was between the municipalities of Anini-y and Dao (now Tobias Fornier) in Antique province.
• An intensity VII earthquake struck Luzon, mainly Isabela on December 29, 1949. Starting at 11:05 am, it lasted for two-and-a-half minutes. The damage was moderately destructive, causing landslides and rough waves capsizing boats, as well as fissures that spat out black water. The intensity ranged from IV to VII throughout Luzon.
• A magnitude 7.4 M_w earthquake struck Mindanao on April 1, 1955, at 2:14 am. The quake killed between 225-465 people and injured 868-898 others.

Mid to late 20th century

1913

1918

1924

1943

1972

1976

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Six of the seven largest Philippine earthquakes since 1901 with magnitude almost 8.0 M_w or higher were in Mindanao:

1913, 1918, 1924, 1943, 1972, and 1976.

These areas are near the Cotabato Trench and the southern portion of the Philippine Trench.

• A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck Casiguran, Aurora, on August 2, 1968, at the depth of approximately 31 km (19 mi). It was considered the most severe and destructive earthquake experienced in the Philippines during the last 20 years. 270 people were reported dead and 261 were injured.
• A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Baler, Aurora, on April 7, 1970, at 1:34 pm. PST at the depth of approximately 25 km (16 mi). 15 people died and around 200 others were injured. The earthquake damaged or destroyed buildings especially in Manila, where a school collapsed.
• A magnitude 7.0 quake struck Ragay Gulf on March 17, 1973. Calauag, Quezon was the worst hit, as the quake caused 98 houses totally destroyed, and 270 more were partially damaged.
• A magnitude 8.0 earthquake struck Mindanao on August 16, 1976. The quake caused a devastating tsunami that had hit the 700 km coastline of the island of Mindanao bordering Moro Gulf in the North Celebes Sea. An estimated 5,000 – 8,000 people died. The major cause of the great number of casualties during the event could be attributed to the fact that the quake happened just after midnight when most people were sleeping; and a great tsunami was spawned, struck the coasts from different directions and caught the people unaware.
• A magnitude 6.5 earthquake struck Laoag on August 17, 1983, at a depth of 42 km (26 mi). The quake has caused the deaths of 16 and injured 47 people.
• A magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck Mindoro on June 20, 1988, at a depth of 16.7 km (10.4 mi). The quake has caused the deaths of 2 and injured 4 people.
• A magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck Bohol on February 8, 1990. Six fatalities were reported and more than 200 were injured in the event. About 46,000 people were displaced by the event and at least 7,000 among them were rendered homeless. Estimated damage to properties is amounting to ₱154-million.
• A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Panay Island on June 14, 1990 at a depth of 15 km (9.3 mi). Eight people died and 41 others were injured.
• A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Luzon on July 16, 1990. It caused severe damage to major cities in Luzon: Dagupan City (soil liquefaction), Baguio, and Cabanatuan City; Hyatt Terraces Baguio collapsed. 1,621 were reported dead. Damage to buildings, infrastructures, and properties amounted to at least ₱10-billion, a part of which was caused by ground rupturing. However, some houses within 1–2 m on either side of the ground rupture survived owing to their light-weight construction while those built of reinforced concrete within this zone suffered partial damage. Damage beyond 2m depended mainly on the structural integrity of the building and effects of local topography and ground conditions.
• A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Mindoro on November 15, 1994 at depth of 15 km (9.3 mi). The quake caused a tsunami killed 41 people, injured 250, and destroyed 1530 houses.
• A series of large earthquakes struck Samar on April 21, 1995, with four of the largest earthquakes being near magnitude 7 and the largest one registering at magnitude 7.3. The earthquakes also resulted in a small tsunami that was recorded in Legazpi, Albay. The area was hit by another earthquake of magnitude 7.0 on May 5 of the same year.
• A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck Bohol on May 27, 1996, at a depth of 4 km (2.5 mi). The earthquake did not cause major damage to properties. Damage was confined to poorly built structures and/or old wooden, masonry, limestone walls of houses and buildings, generally due to ground shaking.
• A magnitude of 5.1 struck Bayugan, Agusan del Sur on June 7 and 9, 1999. The towns of Bayugan and Talacogon were the most devastated.
• A magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck northwest of the coast of Zambales on December 12, 1999. The earthquake killed six people and injured 40 in Zambales, Pangasinan, and Metro Manila. The quake also caused power outages throughout Manila.

21st century

Largest earthquakes by year

The damage caused by a tsunami at Barangay Tibpuan, Lebak, Mindanao after the 7.9 Moro Gulf Earthquake on August 16, 1976.

2001

2002

2005

2007

2009

2010

2012

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

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From the table, some of the largest (per year) of Philippine earthquakes since 2001. Note the western cluster near the Cotabato Trench under the Moro Gulf/Celebes Sea, and the eastern cluster near the southern portion of the Philippine Trench.

The largest or most notable Philippine earthquakes per year since 2001. As for the repeated entries, Moro Gulf near the Cotabato Trench is a seismically active area (the location of the devastating 1918 Celebes Sea earthquake and 1976 Moro Gulf earthquake). Meanwhile, Samar and Davao Region are near the northern and southern portions of the Philippine Trench, respectively.

Year	Magnitude	Location / Name	Date
2001	7.5	Philippine Sea near Tarragona, Davao Oriental	January 1
2002	7.5	Moro Gulf	March 5
2003	6.5	Philippine Sea near Borongan, Eastern Samar	November 18
2004	6.5	Batangas Bay near Mabini, Batangas	October 8
2005	6.4	Moro Gulf, Mindanao	November 30
2006	6.3	Luzon Strait near Babuyan Island	October 9
2007	6.4	Davao Gulf near Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental	August 20
2008	6.9	Philippine Sea near Cabodiongan, Eastern Samar	March 3
2009	6.6	Moro Gulf, Mindanao	October 4
2010	7.6	Moro Gulf, Mindanao	July 23
2011	6.4	Luzon Straight near Fuga Island, Cagayan	March 20
2012	7.6	Philippine Sea near Guiuan, Eastern Samar	August 31
2013	7.2	Sagbayan, Bohol	October 15
2014	6.6	Moro Gulf, Mindanao	December 2
2015	6.1	Philippine Sea near Burgos, Surigao del Norte	July 3
2016	6.3	Philippine Sea near Mati City, Davao Oriental	September 24
2017	7.2	Sarangani Bay near Sarangani, Davao Oriental	April 29
2018	7.2	Davao Gulf near Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental	December 29
2019	6.9	Matanao, Davao del Sur	December 15
2020	6.6	Masbate Pass near Cataingan, Masbate	August 18
2021	7.1	Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental	August 11
2022	7.0	Abra	July 27
The inclusion criteria for adding events are based on WikiProject Earthquakes' notability guideline that was developed for stand alone articles. The principles described are also applicable to lists. In summary, only damaging, injurious, or deadly events should be recorded.

All large known earthquakes

The Cotabato Trench in southern Mindanao, the Philippine Trench, and the Philippine Mobile Belt.

As the Philippines is subject to most seismic activity, to keep this list manageable, only strong earthquakes after 2001 are prioritized (those with M < 6 are discouraged), unless the event has other noteworthy qualities such as causing fatalities, significant damage, or other notable consequences.

• A magnitude 7.5 quake struck Mindanao on January 1, 2001, at a depth of 33 km.
• A magnitude 7.5 quake struck Southern and Central Mindanao on March 5, 2002 at a depth of 31 km. At least 15 people were killed, 100 injured and 800 buildings were damaged or destroyed.
• A magnitude 6.1 quake struck Sultan Kudarat on March 6, 2002. Office of Civil Defense (OCD) records show that 8 people had died and 41 were injured due to the earthquake. It affected 7,684 families in the provinces of Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato and South Cotabato including four cities and 17 municipalities.
• A magnitude 6.2 quake struck Masbate on February 15, 2003, at a depth of 22 km. The quake damaged major infrastructures in Masbate.
• A magnitude 6.5 quake struck Can-avid, Eastern Samar on November 18, 2003. A five-year old child died, crushed by a falling wall, while 21 others, including his mother, suffered injuries. Many structures were damaged or destroyed in various parts of the province, including a school. A landslide occurred in the town of Taft. Power outages occurred throughout Eastern Samar.
• A magnitude 5.7 earthquake hit Sultan Kudarat on September 18, 2009. At least 91 people were injured and 76 houses, 2 commercial buildings, and a fence of a high school were damaged in the province as well in neighboring South Cotabato. In the town of Norala, two houses were totally destroyed.
• A series of quakes with the main quake's magnitude 7.3 struck Moro Gulf on July 23–24, 2010.
• A magnitude 5.2 quake struck Valencia City, Bukidnon on November 8, 2011, at a depth of 1 km. 39 people were injured, and several establishments were damaged.
• A magnitude 6.9 quake struck Negros, the rest of Central Visayas, and some parts of Mindanao on February 6, 2012, at a depth of 20 km. The quake killed people, caused major damage on infrastructures, and buildings. A tsunami alert level 2 was raised due to the quake. The quake also caused a landslide, burying a barangay. More than a thousand of aftershocks were recorded by PHIVOLCS within 2 days since the quake occurred. According to National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, as of February 18, 2012, the death toll have risen to 51 with 62 people still missing, and injuring 112 people. Most deaths came from the city of Guihulngan and La Libertad where landslides occurred. 63, 697 from provinces in Region VII were affected by the quake. 15, 483 houses were partially or totally damaged, and a total of ₱383-million worth of damage to buildings, roads and bridges, and other infrastructures were recorded.
• A magnitude 5.9 quake struck Surigao City on March 16, 2012. Many were injured in the city for that certain day was the grand opening of Gaisano Capital Surigao. An estimated 6,000 people were in Gaisano when the earthquake happened. The earthquake caused a stampede which injured people.
• A magnitude of 7.6 quake struck 106 km near Guiuan, Eastern Samar on August 31, 2012. It was also felt in certain areas of Visayas and Mindanao. One person died, and another one was injured in Cagayan de Oro City after being trapped in a collapsed house due to a landslide. Minutes after the quake, power interruptions occurred in the affected areas. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that a house in Agusan del Sur province caught fire sparked by a gas lamp that was toppled during the earthquake. It also reported that two bridges in Eastern Samar, particularly the Buyayawan Bridge in Mercedes town and the Barangay Casuroy Bridge in San Julian town, were partially damaged. The Abreeza Mall in Bajada, Davao City suffered minor cracks on the floor due to the earthquake. In General MacArthur, Eastern Samar, 77 homes were damaged. There were also 6 houses damaged in Barangay Casoroy, San Julian. In Balangiga, Eastern Samar, a hospital sustained serious damage. A wall from an old building collapsed in Butuan City. The NDRRMC reported on Saturday noon there were cracks on some roads and bridges and other establishments in areas where the quake was felt. Most of the homes destroyed were those made of light materials, while overall damage to infrastructure remained minimal. A tsunami warning of Level 3 was raised by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, but was lifted 5 hours after the quake only caused tiny waves.
• A series of earthquakes, struck cities of Malaybalay and Valencia, and the sitio of Musuan, Maramag in Bukidnon last September 3–4, 2012. The first quake has a magnitude of 3.4 and was felt at 06:48 pm, and was followed by magnitude 4.0 at 07:45 pm, and 4.7 at 09:21 pm. Hours after the first three, a series of quakes occurred in 03:44 am and in 03:52 am. The first quake had a magnitude of 5.6 with a depth of focus of 3 km; while the second one was recorded at a magnitude of 4.9 with a depth focus of 3 km. The quake was felt as far as Cagayan de Oro, Kidapawan, Butuan, and Cotabato cities. A nun was injured in Barangay Lourdes in Valencia City after the incident. Valencia City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that 144 houses and structures were destroyed. Mayor Ignacio Zubiri of Malaybalay City reported no casualties nor damage in his city. The quakes were of tectonic in origin. A total of 131 aftershocks were recorded after the 5.6 quake on September 4, 2012.
• A 5.7 earthquake struck the island of Mindanao on June 1, 2013. The quake's epicenter was located in Carmen, Cotabato and struck with a depth of 5 kilometers. The said quake injured six people, 4 of them were children, and fully or partly destroyed several houses, and some school buildings. It also damaged a bridge at Barangay Kimadzil, and another one at Barangay Kibudtungan. The quake was followed by 15 aftershocks, the last one was followed by a 4.3 quake on June 2, 2013. The quake caused ₱71-million worth of damage. Another quake jolted the said town after 4:00 am on June 3, 2013. The quake was recorded at 5.7 and struck at a depth of 3 kilometers. The newest quake further injured 8 more people, and damaged more houses. Classes which was slated to open on June 3, 2013, were cancelled due to a series of quakes that hit the town since June 1, 2013.
• A magnitude of 7.2 earthquake struck Bohol on October 15, 2013, at 8:12 a.m. (PST). Its epicenter was located 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) SW of Sagbayan at a depth of 12 kilometres (7.5 mi). According to the official report by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, 222 were reported dead while 796 people were injured. Tens of thousands of structures were damaged by the earthquake. Most notable were the national historical churches in Bohol and Cebu.

• Damage to churches in Bohol due to the earthquake of October 15, 2013
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  Loon Church prior to the earthquake
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  The rubble that was Loon Church after the quake
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  Animation of before and after the 2013 earthquake Assunta de la Nuestra Sra. Parish Church, Dauis, Bohol
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  San Isidro Labrador Parish Church, Tubigon, Bohol (Before and After 2013 Bohol Earthquake)
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  Inmaculada Concepcion Parish Church, Baclayon, Bohol (Before and After 2013 Bohol Earthquake)
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  Santa Cruz Parish Church, Maribojoc, Bohol (Before and After 2013 Bohol Earthquake)
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  San Pedro Apostol Parish Church, Loboc, Bohol (Before and After 2013 Bohol Earthquake)
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  Nuestra Sra. de la Luz Parish Church, Loon, Bohol (Before and After 2013 Bohol Earthquake)
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  Assunta de la Nuestra Sra. Parish Church, Dauis, Bohol (Before and After 2013 Bohol Earthquake)

• A magnitude 6.1 quake struck 47 km N 47°E of Burgos (Surigao del Norte) on July 3, 2015, 2:43 pm at a depth of 26 km. One person died of a heart attack in Balingasag and minor damage was observed in Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte.
• A magnitude 6.5 earthquake struck 10 km SW of Basilisa, Dinagat Islands on February 10, 2017, 10:03 pm at a depth of 15 km. Eight people were killed and 202 injured.
• Batangas experienced an earthquake swarm in April 2017. A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck 5 km W of Batangas on April 4, 2017, 8:58 pm at a depth of 82 km. Twin earthquakes with magnitudes of 5.6 and 6.0 hit the barangays of Bagalangit and Tanauan, both in Mabini, Batangas respectively on April 8, 2017, 3:07 and 3:09 pm at a depth of 40.4 km. Damages on some buildings and houses have been reported. Several aftershocks followed.
• A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck 47 km S 26° W of Sarangani and Davao Occidental provinces on April 29, 2017, at 4:23 am at a depth of 57 km. Five people were injured.
• A magnitude 6.5 earthquake struck 3 km S 16° E of Jaro, Leyte on July 6, 2017, at 4:03 pm at a depth of 8 km. It caused island-wide blackouts in the provinces of Samar, Bohol, Leyte, and parts of Southern Leyte In Kananga, a commercial building collapsed killing two persons and injuring 20 others. In Ormoc City, a landslide was triggered. Four people died and 100 others were injured.
• A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck Central Luzon (with epicenter in Castillejos, Zambales) on April 22, 2019, at 5:11 pm. Widespread damage was also caused in Pampanga Province, 18 people were killed and 282 others injured.
• A magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck Eastern Visayas (Eastern Samar) on April 23, 2019, at 1:37 pm. 48 people were injured, most of them slightly by falling objects.

Damaged Itbayat Church after the 2019 Batanes earthquake

• A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck Makilala, Cotabato on July 9, 2019, at 8:36 pm local time, leaving 1 dead and 73 injured.
• A twin magnitude 5.4 and 5.9 earthquake struck off east of Itbayat, Batanes on July 27, 2019. The first tremor occurred at 4:16 am at a depth of 12 km and the second tremor occurred at 7:37 am at a depth of 21 km. The twin quakes destroyed several structures in Itbayat. 9 people were confirmed dead while 60 people are injured.
• A magnitude of 6.3 earthquake struck Tulunan, Cotabato on October 16, 2019, around 7:37 pm. Seven people were reported dead and more than 200 others injured. Most of the houses in Brgy. Malawanit Magsaysay, Davao del Sur, were destroyed. The aftermath left frequent aftershocks extended to over a week on random cycles.
• A magnitude of 6.6 earthquake again struck in Tulunan, Cotabato on October 29, 2019, with some reports stating that this earthquake felt much devastating as the previous earthquake that took place on October 16, 2019. Nearby towns such as those in Kidapawan, North Cotabato and Davao city were also affected.
• A magnitude 6.5 earthquake struck Tulunan, Cotabato for the third time on October 31, 2019, Death toll amongst towns and cities nearby has increased; CNN Philippines reporting increased fatal casualties risen to 10 during live news broadcast. Revised body count reports 24 fatal casualties in total including the numbers from the two consecutive earthquakes that took place on October 29 and 31, with more than 500 people being injured and three reported missing.
• A magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck Matanao, Davao del Sur on December 15, 2019, at 2:11 pm. 13 people were killed, one remains missing and 210 others were injured during this tremor.

Cracks on the pier of Cataingan Port after the 2020 Masbate earthquake

• A magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck Cataingan, Masbate on August 18, 2020, at 8:03 am. Two people were killed and at least 170 people were injured.
• A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck off the coast of Calatagan, Batangas on December 25, 2020, at 7:43 am. Three houses were partially damaged at Lubang Island in Occidental Mindoro. No casualties were reported.
• A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck Magsaysay, Davao del Sur on February 7, 2021, at 12:22 pm. 14 people were injured after the earthquake.
• A magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck off the coast of Calatagan, Batangas on July 24, 2021, at 4:49 a.m. (PhST). A 5.5 magnitude aftershock struck off the same area shortly afterward. PHIVOLCS also reported several aftershocks with magnitudes ranging from 1.7 to 3 hours later. The earthquake caused a landslide in Calatagan and damaged houses in Lubang, Occidental Mindoro.
• A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck off the coast of Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental on August 12, 2021, at 1:46 a.m. (PhsT). PHIVOLCS reported earlier that the epicenter was located off the coast of Mati City in Davao Oriental, with a 7.3 magnitude. No major damages reported so far. A 20-year-old man died after being hit by falling coconuts in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur.
• A magnitude 6.4 earthquake hit off the coast of Lubang, Occidental Mindoro, on March 14, 2022, at 5:05 am (PhsT). The epicenter was located 110 km north of Lubang, at the depth of 29 km. At least two houses were slightly damaged after the quake.
• A magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck the province of Abra in the Cordillera Administrative Region on July 27, 2022. PHIVOLCS reported the epicenter at 17.64°N, 120.63°E - 003 km N 45° W of Tayum (Abra) at a depth of 17 kilometers. Tremors were felt in Northern and Central Luzon including Metro Manila and adjacent provinces.

Deadliest earthquakes

The table below is a tally of the ten deadliest recorded earthquakes in the Philippines since the 1600s:

Ten deadliest recorded earthquakes in the Philippines since the 1600s
Mag.		Origin	Location	Date	Deaths	Missing	Injured	Damage	Source
1	8.0	Tectonic	Moro Gulf	August 16, 1976	4,791	2,288	9,928
2	7.8	Tectonic	Luzon Island	July 16, 1990	1,621	1,000	>3,000	₱ 10 billion
3	Unknown	Tectonic	Manila	June 3, 1863	1,000
4	7.5	Tectonic	Luzon Island	November 30, 1645	>600		>3,000	Unknown
5	8.1	Tectonic	Mati, Davao Oriental	April 14, 1924	~500
6	7.4	Tectonic	Lanao del Sur	April 1, 1955	>400		Unknown	US$5 million
7	7.6	Tectonic	Casiguran, Aurora	August 2, 1968	271		261
8	7.2	Tectonic	Bohol and Cebu	October 15, 2013	222	8	796	₱ 4 billion (est.)
9	6.7	Tectonic	Negros Oriental	February 6, 2012	51	62	112	₱ 383 million
10	7.1	Tectonic	Mindoro	November 15, 1994	78		430	₱ 5.15 million

See also

• Geology of the Philippines

External links

• Official website of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology Archived January 29, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
• Latest Earthquake Bulletin in the Philippines
• Official website of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council