Philippines: A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake has struck off the southern coast of the Philippines, prompting tsunami warnings across coastal regions and neighbouring Indonesia.
Authorities in the Philippines urged residents in coastal towns across central and southern regions to evacuate as they warned of potential tsunami waves over a metre high. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the quake was felt strongly in Davao City and surrounding provinces, causing power cuts and suspension of classes in several areas.
At least one person was confirmed dead, while reports of damaged buildings and widespread panic surfaced across affected regions. Local media footage showed overhead power cables swaying violently as vehicles stopped on the roads when the quake hit. Patients at hospitals in Davao City were moved to outdoor areas as aftershocks continued.
Edwin Jubahib, governor of Davao Oriental province, described scenes of fear and confusion. Edwin Jubahib stated that, “It was very strong. Some buildings were reported to have been damaged.” Richie Diuyen, an official at the local disaster agency in Manay town, recounted the terrifying moments. Richie Diuyen remarked that, “We couldn’t believe how strong the earthquake was. Some students fainted, and I still feel dizzy.”
The tremor struck just over a week after a 6.9-magnitude quake hit the central Cebu province, killing at least 74 people and injuring hundreds. The Philippines has been reeling from multiple natural disasters in recent months, including a deadly super typhoon last month that killed 11 people in the north.
Dr. Teresito Bacolcol, director of Phivolcs, said the country’s location along the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’ makes it highly prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity. Dr. Bacolcol noted that, “Filipinos are now experiencing disaster fatigue from typhoons, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Instead of panicking, we have to prepare.”
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre in Hawaii announced that the tsunami threat had passed, though aftershocks ranging between magnitudes 2.6 and 4.9 continued to rattle the southern region of Mindanao. Across the border in Indonesia, minor tsunamis were recorded in the Talaud Islands of North Sulawesi, with waves reaching up to 17 centimetres.
Local authorities sent students home as a precaution and urged the public to stay away from damaged buildings while remaining calm. The Philippines remains on heightened alert as emergency teams assess the damage and monitor ongoing seismic activity.
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