7.4-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Southern Philippines, Triggers Tsunami Warnings and Panic
MANILA, Philippines — A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of the Philippines early Friday, shaking buildings, cutting power, and prompting tsunami warnings across the country and neighboring Indonesia.
The quake, which hit near Mindanao, sent shockwaves through the region, forcing thousands of residents in coastal towns to flee to higher ground as authorities warned of potentially dangerous waves more than a meter (3.3 feet) above normal tide levels.
Officials confirmed that at least one person was killed, while several others were injured as homes and buildings suffered structural damage. The earthquake also led to widespread power outages and forced class suspensions in multiple provinces as emergency response teams were deployed to assess the situation.
Tsunami Warnings Issued for Philippines and Indonesia
Following the tremor, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) immediately issued tsunami warnings for parts of the Davao, Surigao, and Southern Mindanao regions, urging people living near the coast to move inland.
In nearby Indonesia, the Meteorology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) also detected “minor tsunamis” along the Talaud Islands in North Sulawesi, with waves reaching up to 17 centimeters. Students and residents in the island region were temporarily evacuated but later allowed to return home as conditions stabilized.
About an hour after the quake, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii announced that the immediate tsunami threat had passed, though officials cautioned that aftershocks could still cause localized disturbances in coastal waters.
Panic and Destruction in Davao Region
The earthquake’s epicenter was located near Davao Oriental province, where residents described terrifying moments as the ground violently shook for several seconds.
Governor Edwin Jubahib told local broadcaster DZMM that “some buildings were reported to have been damaged” and described the tremors as “very strong and frightening.”
In Davao City, reporters described scenes of chaos outside hospitals as patients were rushed outdoors onto parking lots and open spaces for safety. Video clips shared on local media showed power lines swaying, cars coming to a halt, and people running into the streets as the quake struck.
“It was the strongest shaking we’ve ever felt,” said Richie Diuyen, an employee at the local disaster response agency in the town of Manay. “Some students fainted, and I felt dizzy even minutes after. We were terrified. I’m still shaking — I’ve never experienced anything like it before,” she told the BBC.
Country Reeling from Series of Disasters
The Philippines, which sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most active seismic zones, is no stranger to powerful earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. But in recent weeks, the country has faced a relentless string of natural disasters, leaving communities exhausted.
Just a week earlier, a 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck the central Cebu province, killing at least 74 people and injuring hundreds. The disaster displaced more than 80,000 residents, forcing many to live in temporary shelters as aftershocks continued to rock the region.
Adding to the hardship, Super Typhoon Karding battered northern Luzon last month, killing 11 people and causing widespread flooding and destruction.
Dr. Teresito Bacolcol, director of Phivolcs, acknowledged the growing toll on citizens, saying Filipinos were now suffering from “disaster fatigue.”
“Filipinos are facing repeated challenges — from typhoons and minor volcanic eruptions to earthquakes like this,” he said during a media briefing. “We must accept that these events are part of our reality. Instead of panicking, we have to prepare and strengthen our communities’ resilience.”
Emergency Response and Aftershocks
Phivolcs reported that the earthquake was followed by a series of aftershocks, ranging from magnitude 2.6 to 4.9, which continued to rattle parts of Mindanao hours after the main tremor. Officials have warned residents to remain alert and stay away from damaged structures that may collapse during subsequent quakes.
Local authorities in affected provinces have deployed rescue teams to survey damage and assist displaced families. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced it was preparing emergency relief goods, tents, and financial assistance for victims.
Images from Davao De Oro State College showed rescuers helping a student onto a stretcher, while others assisted elderly residents evacuated from their homes.
Classes and government operations were suspended in several southern cities as engineers inspected bridges, schools, and hospitals for cracks or instability.
International Reactions and Global Monitoring
Regional monitoring agencies, including those in Japan and Taiwan, tracked the seismic activity closely, though no significant tsunami threat was reported outside the Philippines and Indonesia.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) initially recorded the quake at magnitude 7.5 before revising it slightly downward to 7.4. The epicenter was located about 30 kilometers off the coast of Mindanao, at a depth of roughly 35 kilometers, according to the agency.
International humanitarian organizations, including the Red Cross, are coordinating with local partners to provide aid in the affected areas.
The Ring of Fire: A Constant Threat
Experts note that the Philippines’ location along the Pacific Ring of Fire makes it highly susceptible to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. This horseshoe-shaped region, stretching from Japan and Indonesia to Chile and Alaska, accounts for more than 75% of the world’s active volcanoes and nearly 90% of global earthquakes.
Dr. Bacolcol emphasized that preparedness remains the country’s best defense. “We cannot prevent earthquakes or volcanic eruptions, but we can minimize loss of life through awareness and readiness,” he said.
Local governments have been urged to review disaster response plans and conduct regular evacuation drills to ensure communities are ready for future emergencies.
Communities Struggling But Resilient
Despite fear and fatigue, Filipinos once again demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of disaster. Volunteers in Davao and neighboring towns distributed food, water, and medical supplies to those affected.
“Our people may be tired, but they never give up,” said Governor Jubahib. “We always find a way to recover — no matter how many times nature tests us.”
As rescue efforts continue and aftershocks persist, authorities are reminding citizens to remain vigilant and to follow official advisories from Phivolcs and local disaster councils.
For now, the people of Mindanao and surrounding provinces remain on edge, bracing for what could be another long and difficult recovery.