Recent Seismic Activity Raises Concerns
The Philippines has experienced an unprecedented surge in seismic activity in recent weeks, with the Central Visayas region, including Panay Island, feeling the effects of multiple powerful earthquakes. On September 30, 2025, a devastating 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck northern Cebu, claiming at least 71 lives and generating over 10,000 aftershocks. Just days ago, on October 13, 2025, another significant 6.0 magnitude tremor struck Bogo City, further compounding the region’s earthquake challenges.
These earthquakes were strongly felt across Panay Island and Iloilo, prompting immediate building inspections and class suspensions. The September 30 earthquake caused power outages in Iloilo City and led to government work suspensions as authorities assessed structural integrity of key buildings. Then, on October 10, 2025, a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake off Davao Oriental rippled across the Visayas, again jolting Iloilo residents and triggering another round of safety inspections.
In the past 30 days alone, the Iloilo City area has experienced 64 earthquakes of varying magnitudes within a 100-kilometer radius, with the strongest reaching 4.9 magnitude. This heightened seismic activity has underscored the vulnerability of Panay Island to earthquake hazards.
Understanding Panay Island's Earthquake Risk
The West Panay Fault: A Major Seismic Threat
Panay Island sits on the active West Panay Fault, a major geological feature that stretches over 90 kilometers from the municipality of Lambunao in central Panay to San Joaquin in southern Iloilo. The fault line passes through numerous municipalities including Alimodian, Leon, Igbaras, Janiuay, and other coastal towns in Iloilo province. It extends northward through the municipalities of Jamindan and Tapaz in Capiz province and reaches Libacao, Madalag, Ibajay, and Malinao in Aklan province.
Recent earthquake activity in the region has provided clear evidence that the West Panay Fault remains active. The fault
Why the Philippines is Earthquake-Prone
The Philippines is located within the Pacific Ring of Fire, a horseshoe-shaped zone surrounding the Pacific Ocean where several tectonic plates converge. This geological setting makes earthquakes a daily occurrence, with frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to the collision of tectonic plates.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) records an average of 20 tremors per day throughout the Philippines. Of these, approximately 100 to 150 are strong enough to be felt each year. Several active faults, including the Philippine Fault Zone which cuts across the archipelago, are responsible for significant seismic events.
Historical Earthquakes in Panay Island and Iloilo
The 1948 "Lady Caycay" Earthquake: The Strongest on Record
The most devastating earthquake to ever strike Panay Island occurred at 1:46 AM on January 25, 1948. Known as the “Lady Caycay” earthquake (Caycay being a Kinaray-a and Hiligaynon term describing scratches on the ground similar to those made by chickens), this catastrophic event registered a moment magnitude of 7.8 with a maximum Mercalli intensity of X (Extreme). The epicenter was located between the municipalities of Anini-y and Dao (now Tobias Fornier) in Antique.
The earthquake killed 74 people and caused approximately $3.5 million in damages. It toppled 55 churches across Panay, including the famous Jaro Cathedral belfry in Iloilo City.
In Iloilo province, the damage was particularly severe. Churches in Igbaras, San Miguel, Oton, and Maasin were so badly damaged they had to be demolished. The belfries of churches in Alimodian, Duenas, Dumangas, Guimbal, Lambunao, Passi, San Joaquin, and Arevalo district collapsed. In Iloilo City alone, 21 people were killed and 43 injured, with total damage reaching ₱1,000,000.
Ground disruptions described as “little canyons” appeared in Pototan, Cabatuan, Dingle, Passi, and Calinog. At what is now the site of Iloilo International Airport in Cabatuan (then Tiring Landing Field), huge cracks opened up and a new small brook appeared. In Fort San Pedro in Iloilo City, large fissures measuring 4 meters wide by 10 meters long opened, exposing seawater below. The earthquake also generated a small tsunami with waves reaching 2 meters high that destroyed fish corrals along the Iloilo shore from Oton to San Joaquin.
The 1990 Panay Earthquake
On June 14, 1990, at 3:41 PM, another significant earthquake struck Panay Island with a moment magnitude of 7.1. The epicenter was located in Culasi, Antique, at a depth of 15 kilometers. The earthquake was generated by fault movement in the collisional zone off western Panay Island. In Culasi, at the epicenter, seven people were killed and 31 others suffered injuries. In total, the earthquake left eight dead and 41 injured across the region.
A Pattern of Major Seismic Events
Research has documented that five major earthquakes ranging from magnitude 7.1 to 8.2 have struck Panay Island in the past 400 years. The epicenters have been concentrated on the western part of the island where the active West Panay Fault was traced.
Current Vulnerabilities and Challenges
Compound Hazards: Landslides and Flooding
As shown in the hazard map above, many areas along the West Panay Fault face compound risks. The western portion of Panay Island, particularly in Antique province where the fault runs, shows extensive areas of high to very high landslide susceptibility (marked in red and orange). During earthquakes, ground shaking can trigger landslides in these vulnerable areas, especially on steep slopes. Additionally, the region faces flood risks that can be exacerbated by earthquake-induced ground disruptions and infrastructure damage.
Lack of Earthquake Monitoring Infrastructure
Despite sitting on an active fault line, Panay Island has no earthquake monitoring station of its own. According to retired Police Colonel Cornelio Salinas, head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), this absence leaves authorities unable to accurately determine the true intensity of earthquakes experienced locally. Without such a facility, officials cannot ascertain whether a seismic event registered as intensity level 2 or 3 within a 12- or 24-hour period, prolonging work suspensions and forcing reliance on “gut feel” and visual checks rather than concrete data.
Following the recent Cebu earthquake, drone and ground inspections at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol documented both fresh and worsening structural cracks in the 25-year-old building, including cracks at joints of masonry and drywall partitions, damage on windows, toilets, and floors of the 6th floor, and expanded fissures along the pre-cast moulding at the dome perimeter.
How to Prepare for Earthquakes
Before an Earthquake
Know Your Hazards Familiarize yourself with earthquake hazards in your area and identify the nearest evacuation routes and designated evacuation areas.
Secure Your Home To prevent injuries during an earthquake, anchor bookshelves, cabinets, and heavy appliances to walls to ensure they remain in place. Store heavy objects on lower shelves to reduce the risk of them falling. Use safety latches on cabinets to keep contents from spilling out during a tremor.
Secure heavy items in your home like bookcases, refrigerators, water heaters, televisions, and objects that hang on walls. Store heavy and breakable objects on low shelves.
Prepare an Emergency Supply Kit
Your emergency kit should include:
- Water: one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation
- Food: at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Prescription medications and medical supplies
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust masks or cloth to filter the air
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape for shelter
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Manual can opener
- Local maps and cell phone with chargers
- Important family documents (copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank records) in a waterproof container
- Cash and change
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Extra clothing, blankets, and sturdy shoes
Create an Emergency Plan Make a family emergency communications plan that includes an out-of-state contact. Plan where to meet if you get separated. Ensure that all family members know what to do in case of an earthquake.
Practice Earthquake Drills Practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” with your family at least once each year. Everyone, everywhere, should learn and practice what to do during an earthquake, whether at home, work, school, or traveling.
During an Earthquake
The Critical “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” Technique
Federal, state, and local emergency management experts agree that “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” is the appropriate action to reduce injury and death during earthquakes. You should Drop, Cover, and Hold On immediately after the first jolt, without waiting to see if the earthquake shaking will be strong.
If You Are Indoors:
DROP where you are onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down and reduces your chances of being hit by falling or flying objects.
COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter. If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall. Stay on your knees and bend over to protect vital organs.
HOLD ON until the shaking stops. Under shelter, hold on to it with one hand and be ready to move with your shelter if it shifts. If you have no shelter, hold on to your head and neck with both arms and hands.
Stay indoors! Get under a desk or table and hang on to it, or move into a hallway or against an inside wall. Stay clear of windows, fireplaces, and heavy furniture or appliances. Get out of the kitchen, which is a dangerous place where things can fall on you. Don’t run downstairs or rush outside while the building is shaking.
If you are in bed, stay there and cover your head and neck with a pillow.
If You Are Outdoors:
If you’re outside, stay there. Move to an open area away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines. Drop and cover until shaking stops to protect yourself from flying debris.
Move away from steep slopes which may be affected by landslides.
If You Are Driving:
Stop and stay in your vehicle. Avoid stopping near buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires. Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped, avoiding bridges or ramps.
Special Considerations:
If you use a wheelchair or walker, lock your wheels and remain seated until the shaking stops. If you are unable to drop to the ground, brace yourself and protect your head and neck with your arms, a pillow, a book, or whatever is available.
After an Earthquake
Immediate Actions:
Expect aftershocks to follow the main shock. Be ready to Drop, Cover, and Hold On again if you feel an aftershock. If you are in a damaged building, go outside and quickly move away from it. Do not enter damaged buildings.
If you are trapped, send a text or bang on a pipe or wall. Cover your mouth with your shirt for protection. Instead of shouting, use a whistle to conserve energy and alert rescuers.
Check yourself to see if you are hurt and help others if you have training. If you are sick or injured and need medical attention, contact your healthcare provider for instructions.
Safety Precautions:
Wear sturdy shoes to avoid injury from broken glass and debris.
Be careful when cleaning up. Wear protective clothing, including long-sleeved shirts, long pants, work gloves, and sturdy thick-soled shoes. Do not try to remove heavy debris by yourself. Use an appropriate mask if cleaning mold or other debris.
Do not use matches, lighters, appliances, or light switches until you are sure there are no gas leaks. Sparks from electrical switches could ignite gas, causing an explosion. Use flashlights, not candles, due to fire risk.
Communication and Information:
Pay attention to local news reports for emergency information and instructions via battery-operated radio, TV, social media, or cell phone text alerts. Use social media to let people know you’re okay. Use text messages to communicate, which may be more reliable than phone calls.
For Coastal Areas:
If you are in an area that may experience tsunamis, go inland or to higher ground immediately after the shaking stops. Avoid contact with floodwaters as they can contain chemicals, sewage, and debris.
Building Earthquake-Resilient Communities
Current Government Initiatives
The government has implemented GPS monitoring as a continuous annual project in Panay Island through PHIVOLCS. GPS receivers are temporarily mounted on government-owned properties for seven days to record exact coordinates and elevations. This data is compared with previous measurements to determine any changes, helping seismologists understand the direction and velocity of the slow movement of the archipelago and identify potential earthquake risks.
The Office of Civil Defense Region 6 regularly organizes Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drills (NSED) in schools and communities across Panay Island. These exercises test real-time evacuation, triage, rescue, fire suppression, crowd control, and command coordination protocols.
Resources for More Information
- Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS): www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph
- National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC): www.ndrrmc.gov.ph
- Office of Civil Defense Region 6: Follow their social media pages for local updates
- HazardHunterPH: PHIVOLCS’ online tool to assess your property’s vulnerability to seismic risks
While scientific analysis suggests it could take about 100 years after 1948 before another giant tremor might hit Panay Island, recent seismic activity serves as a stark reminder that earthquakes can strike at any time without warning. The heightened earthquake activity across the Philippines in recent weeks, including tremors felt strongly in Iloilo and Panay Island, underscores the critical importance of earthquake preparedness.
Living in an earthquake-prone region requires constant vigilance and preparation. By understanding the risks, securing your home and workplace, preparing emergency supplies, practicing the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” technique, and staying informed about the latest seismic developments, you can significantly reduce your risk of injury or loss during an earthquake.
The lack of earthquake monitoring stations in Panay Island remains a concern that needs to be addressed. Meanwhile, residents must remain proactive in their preparedness efforts. Remember: earthquakes don’t kill people—unprepared environments and lack of knowledge do. Take action today to protect yourself, your family, and your community from the inevitable next earthquake.
This article is based on information from PHIVOLCS, various disaster risk reduction offices, historical records, and recent news reports as of October 2025. For the most current earthquake information and alerts, please follow official PHIVOLCS channels and local government disaster offices.
Image Credits: Figures 1 and 2 are sourced from ResearchGate and are used for educational purposes. Original sources are PHIVOLCS (Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology) and MGB (Mines and Geosciences Bureau).
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