A magnitude 4.1 earthquake jolted northern Cebu on Tuesday afternoon, September 22, prompting officials in Medellin to take precautionary measures as residents remain mindful of the powerful earthquake that struck the area nearly a year ago.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the tectonic earthquake occurred at 2:48 p.m., with its epicenter located about 11 kilometers south 83 degrees east of Medellin. The quake had a shallow depth of two kilometers.
Phivolcs classified the tremor as an aftershock of the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck offshore northern Cebu on September 30, 2025.
Following Tuesday’s shaking, Medellin Mayor Edwin Salimbangon advised schools to dismiss classes early as a precaution. The municipal government also urged schools to conduct safety inspections and encouraged students, school personnel and residents to remain alert and follow official safety advisories.
Despite the precautionary measures, Phivolcs said no damage was expected from the magnitude 4.1 earthquake and that no additional aftershocks were expected from the latest event.
The tremor comes just eight days before the first anniversary of the devastating magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck offshore Bogo City on September 30, 2025.
That earthquake caused widespread destruction across northern Cebu, killing dozens of people and injuring hundreds. Twelve local government units were identified as affected, including Bogo City, Medellin, Daanbantayan, San Remigio, Tabogon, Tabuelan, Borbon, Sogod, Catmon, Madridejos, Santa Fe and Bantayan.
The 2025 earthquake was followed by thousands of aftershocks, including several stronger tremors recorded in October. Phivolcs has continued to identify smaller earthquakes in northern Cebu as aftershocks of the September 30 event.
For residents who experienced last year’s disaster, Tuesday’s earthquake served as another reminder that seismic activity can continue long after a major earthquake. Authorities are urging communities to remain prepared, check structures for possible damage and follow official information from Phivolcs and local disaster officials.
