Magnitude 5.5 earthquake — Union, Philippines
A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck near Union, Philippines at a depth of about 10 km. Details, shaking intensity and any tsunami information are on the USGS event page.
Explained simply
The Philippines lies where the Philippine Sea and Eurasian plates meet. Their movement beneath and around the archipelago makes earthquakes common, and shallow quakes can produce stronger shaking near their source.
The US Geological Survey records earthquake locations and measurements, while the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology monitors local hazards. Magnitude describes the energy released; the effects people feel depend on factors including depth, distance and local ground conditions.