Cropped detail shot of seismometer printing line
Cover Cropped detail shot of seismometer printing line

Read on to learn about the five most shocking earthquakes in history that shook many Filipinos to their core

There's no telling when the next big earthquake will hit the Philippines. It's only right to prepare oneself by reading up on crucial pointers and looking back on past experiences. What better way to prepare for natural disasters than learning from history?

In this article, Tatler lists the five most shocking earthquakes in the country:

Moro Gulf Earthquake in 1976

Tatler Asia
Photo from PHILVOLCS
Above Photo from PHILVOLCS
Tatler Asia
Photo from PHILVOLCS
Above Photo from PHILVOLCS

Magnitude: 7.9

The earthquake in Mindanao spawned a tsunami on the midnight of 17 August 1976 which ravaged various properties and left large cracks on the ground. Families lost their loved ones to this tragic event. Fortunately, the victims received both international and local support.

See also: Kaayo Modern Mindanao by Marga Nograles Launches Its First Resort Collection

Luzon Earthquake in 1990

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Photo from PHILVOLCS
Above Photo from PHILVOLCS

Magnitude: 7.8

Filipinos residing from Dingalan, Aurora to Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya bore the brunt of the earthquake that took place on 16 July 1990. The epicentre was located near the town of Rizal. The dangerous earthquake was caused by the strike-slip movements along the Philippine Fault Zone and the Digdig Fault. This massive earthquake did not exempt Manila as it also left at least 25 per cent of the houses in the city damaged.

Casiguran Earthquake in 1968

Tatler Asia
Photo from PHILVOLCS
Above Photo from PHILVOLCS
Tatler Asia
Photo from PHILVOLCS
Above Photo from PHILVOLCS

Magnitude: 7.3

The town of Casiguran, Aurora was struck by a destructive earthquake on 02 August 1968, leaving 261 injured and 270 dead. Several towering buildings in Manila were damaged including eight-storey and six-storey buildings like the Aloha Theatre, Ruby Tower and The Philippine bar Association's commercial building. The cost of property damage? several million dollars.

See also: Volcanoes, Typhoons, SARS, MERS, COVID19: Is The Philippines Prepared For The Next Disaster?

Ragay Gulf Earthquake in 1973

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Photo from luirig.altervista.org
Above Photo from luirig.altervista.org

Magnitude: 7.0

In 1973, an earthquake severely shook Calauag, Quezon, leaving 98 houses destroyed and 270 others damaged. The tremor was so destructive that it extended 90 kilometres away from the epicentre. Proof of this earthquake's magnitude can be seen through the various ground breakages along the segment of the Philippine Fault and the mud boils formed near the Calauag River.

Davao del Sur Earthquake in 2019

Tatler Asia
Photo from PHILVOLCS
Above Photo from PHILVOLCS
Tatler Asia
Photo from PHILVOLCS
Above Photo from PHILVOLCS

Magnitude: 6.9

On 15 December 2019, an earthquake hit Davao Del Sur, resulting in structural damages, with more than 210 people injured and 13 fatalities. Various schools and health facilities were also affected. Known to be one of the most seismically active regions in the Philippines, the Davao Region is also susceptible to rockfalls and landslides. Fortunately, the epicentre of this earthquake is inland which means that a tsunami is highly unlikely to occur after an earthquake.

More from Tatler: Why The Fat Cow Is A Must For Steak Aficionados In Davao

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