December 2023 Mindanao earthquake facts for kids
| UTC time | 2023-12-02 14:37:03 |
|---|---|
| USGS-ANSS | ComCat |
| Local date | 2 December 2023 |
| Local time | 22:37 |
| Magnitude | 7.6 Mww (USGS) 7.4 Mw (PHIVOLCS) |
| Depth | 32.8 km (20.4 mi) |
| Epicenter | 8°31′37″N 126°26′56″E / 8.527°N 126.449°E |
| Max. intensity | VIII (Severe) PEIS – V (Strong) |
| Tsunami | 64 cm (2.10 ft) |
| Casualties | 1 injured |
On December 2, 2023, a powerful earthquake shook the southern Philippines. It happened at 10:37 PM local time. The earthquake was very strong, measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale. Its center was about 21 kilometers (13 miles) northeast of Hinatuan, a town in the Caraga region.
Understanding the Earthquake
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that this earthquake had a magnitude of 7.6. Magnitude tells us how much energy an earthquake releases. The shaking felt on the ground was rated as VIII (Severe) on the Modified Mercalli intensity scale. This means the shaking was strong enough to cause significant damage.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) measured the earthquake at a magnitude of 7.4. They also reported that the shaking was felt as "Strong" in places like Bislig and Cabadbaran. After a big earthquake, smaller earthquakes called aftershocks often happen. One aftershock measured 6.4 in magnitude.
Earthquakes happen when large pieces of the Earth's crust, called tectonic plates, move. This earthquake happened because of the movement of the Philippine Sea Plate. This plate moves slowly every year, causing stress that can lead to earthquakes.
Tsunami Warnings and Waves
Because the earthquake was so strong and happened near the ocean, warnings for a tsunami were issued. A tsunami is a series of very large ocean waves caused by underwater earthquakes or other big disturbances.
PHIVOLCS issued tsunami warnings for the Philippine provinces of Surigao del Sur and Davao Oriental. Japan's NHK also warned that tsunami waves up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) could hit Japan's southern coast.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center also predicted tsunami waves for many areas:
- Philippines: 1 to 3 meters (3.3 to 9.8 feet)
- Palau: 0.3 to 1 meter (1 to 3.3 feet)
- Other areas like American Samoa, China, South Korea, Hawaii, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, and Malaysia were expected to see waves less than 0.3 meters (1 foot) high.
Actual tsunami waves were observed. A wave measuring 64 centimeters (2.1 feet) high was seen on Mawes Island in the Philippines. On Hachijō-jima, a Japanese island, waves of 40 centimeters (1.3 feet) were recorded.
Impact and Effects
The earthquake caused some damage and disruptions. In Agusan del Sur, some houses were damaged. Power was also knocked out across the entire province. Power outages also happened in Hinatuan.
In Davao City, there were also reports of power outages. One person in Cagayan de Oro needed medical attention after passing out due to the earthquake.
See also
- List of earthquakes in 2023
- November 2023 Mindanao earthquake - a nearby earthquake that happened two weeks before
- List of earthquakes in the Philippines
