The Earthquake Strikes
A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the southern Philippines early Friday morning, triggering alarm across coastal communities and setting off tsunami warnings. The quake’s epicenter was located approximately 43 kilometers east of Manay, in Davao Oriental province, at a shallow depth of about 23 kilometers.
Initial readings had placed the quake at 7.6, but that was later revised downward.
Damage, Casualties & Disruptions
The earthquake caused widespread panic and physical damage across southern Mindanao:
- At least two people were confirmed dead, reportedly after being trapped in damaged houses.
- Dozens more were injured, some as a result of structural cracks, falling debris, or shock.
- A hospital in Davao and several school buildings sustained cracks; about 250 patients were evacuated from the hospital to safer areas.
- Power outages struck multiple areas. Transmission lines were disrupted but were being repaired later in the day.
- In Davao City, classes were suspended as officials inspected infrastructure for quake damage.
- Airports remained operational, although checks were underway.
Tsunami Warning & Evacuations
Immediately after the quake, tsunami alerts were issued for the Philippines, Indonesia, and Palau. Coastal communities within about 300 kilometers of the epicenter were urged to evacuate to higher ground.
The U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center warned that waves of 1 to 3 meters above normal tide levels were possible.
By mid-morning, authorities declared that the tsunami threat had passed, and the warning was rescinded.
Small sea level fluctuations were recorded in the Philippines and Indonesia.
Response & Government Action
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed that disaster assessments and relief operations were underway. He directed agencies — including the National Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Council, the Office of Civil Defense, armed forces, coast guard, and local governments — to mobilize and coordinate response efforts.
In Davao Oriental, Governor Nelson Dayanghirang Sr. reported structural damage in towns like Gov. Generoso, where cracks in buildings were evident and people suffered from dizziness or shock.
Evacuation orders were issued for several coastal provinces, including eastern and southern regions of Mindanao.
Search-and-rescue teams were poised to move in once conditions were safe.
Geological Context & Aftershock Risk
The quake occurred along the Philippine Trench, a major subduction zone along which the Philippine Sea Plate slides beneath the archipelago.
Aftershocks are already being recorded; the strongest so far measured 5.9 magnitude.
This event comes just days after a magnitude-6.9 quake struck Cebu, killing dozens, underscoring how seismically vulnerable the Philippines remains.
This earthquake stands as a stark reminder of the region’s seismic risks. Even as rescue and relief efforts proceed, authorities face the challenge of assessing structural damage, restoring services, and ensuring safety in the days ahead.
