Brace for Impact: The Urgent Call to Prepare for the Big One

EARTHQUAKE AFTER EARTHQUAKE

A strong earthquake jolted Bogo, Cebu, on September 30, 2025, with a magnitude of 6.9 that was also felt in nearby islands and provinces. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) recorded over 10,000 aftershocks, some of which were actual earthquakes.

While Central Visayas was still recovering, another quake struck northern Luzon, particularly in La Union, recording a magnitude of 4.4. Fortunately, no casualties or damages were reported.

The following day, on October 10, Mindanao was also hit, this time in Davao Oriental, where a magnitude 7.4 earthquake (later revised to 7.5) occurred, followed by another one at magnitude 6.8 just hours later. Many infrastructures were damaged or destroyed, with continuous aftershocks reported in the area.

The next day, a magnitude 5.0 earthquake shook Zambales, though the good news was that no casualties were recorded.

And just yesterday, Cebu once again experienced another strong tremor, this time with a magnitude of 5.8, shaking homes, schools, and other buildings in the province.

ARE THEY CONNECTED?

PHIVOLCS assured the public that these earthquakes are not connected to one another and do not trigger each other. According to PHIVOLCS Director Teresito Bacolcol in an interview with ANC, these quakes came from different earthquake generators. He explained that the La Union quake was generated by the Philippine Fault, the shaking in Zambales was caused by the Manila Trench, the Cebu quake came from the Bogo Bay Fault, and both the Davao and Surigao earthquakes were generated by the Philippine Trench.

So why are they happening one after another?

Director Bacolcol explained that this is to be expected, as the Philippines is located along the Pacific Ring of Fire and has 180 active fault segments and six active trenches. Because of this, there is a possibility that multiple earthquakes could occur close together in time.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

Local government units are now distributing “Go Bags” containing essential first aid items such as bandages, alcohol, medicines, flashlights, and whistles—basic supplies that can be used during emergencies.

Earthquake drills are also being conducted again to refresh the knowledge of students, workers, and the general public on what to do before, during, and after an earthquake. These drills emphasize the importance of staying calm, protecting oneself, and knowing the nearest evacuation areas.

These are the preparations we can take since, as of now, there is still no scientific instrument or system that can predict exactly when the “Big One” will occur. The expected magnitude of the “Big One” is around 7.2 or higher, and according to Bacolcol, it happens every 400 to 600 years. The last recorded major movement was in 1658.

Whether the “Big One” happens in the coming days, years, or decades, what truly matters is that we are informed, prepared, and equipped with the knowledge and tools that can help us when the time comes.