Date: October 10, 2025
Location: Off the coast of Davao Oriental, Mindanao, Philippines
What Happened
A powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck early Friday near Manay town in Davao Oriental, shaking large parts of southern Mindanao. The quake hit at a shallow depth of around 20 km beneath the ocean floor — a depth known to cause stronger surface shaking.
Because of the quake’s strength and offshore location, authorities issued tsunami warnings for coastal areas within about 300 km of the epicenter, including parts of the Philippines, Indonesia, and Palau. Some areas were expected to experience waves over one meter high.
Damage, Casualties & Response
- Deaths: At least two people were killed in Davao Oriental after being struck by falling debris.
- Injuries and Damage: Several buildings, including hospitals and schools, sustained cracks. A local hospital evacuated more than 250 patients after parts of the structure were damaged. Power outages were reported in several towns.
- Evacuations: Thousands of residents from coastal villages in at least six provinces were ordered to move to higher ground. The tsunami alert was later lifted after only minor wave surges were observed.
- Government Response: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the immediate deployment of search-and-rescue teams and assured affected communities that emergency relief operations were underway.
Why It Matters
This quake comes just a week after another major tremor in the central Philippines that left dozens dead. The country sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity.
Seismologists warned that aftershocks are likely to continue in the coming days, and residents should remain cautious.
🙏 What Locals Should Do
- Stay alert for official announcements and aftershock warnings.
- Avoid returning to damaged structures until cleared by authorities.
- Keep emergency kits ready and stay connected through radios or local alerts.
- Move to higher ground immediately if new tsunami warnings are issued.
In summary:
The southern Philippines is recovering from a powerful 7.5-magnitude quake that triggered a tsunami scare and caused loss of life and property damage. Quick evacuation and disaster preparedness helped minimize casualties, but the event is a reminder of how vulnerable the region remains to major seismic activity.
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