Philippines (Parliament Politics Magazine) – A powerful 7.4 to 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of the Philippines, triggering tsunami warnings for the Philippines, Indonesia, and Palau. The threat has since been lifted after minor waves were detected, with rescue and damage assessment operations underway.
Powerful Earthquake Strikes Southern Philippines Coast
As reported by Jane Smith of 1News, an offshore earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6 hit off the southern Philippine province early Friday morning. The quake was centred about 62km southeast of Manay town in Davao Oriental province at a shallow depth of 10km, caused by movement along a fault near the Philippine Trench. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported expected aftershocks and possible damage from this seismic event.
Tsunami Warnings Issued and Later Lifted
According to DW’s report by Michael Anderson, the Philippine seismology agency Phivolcs initially issued tsunami warnings instructing coastal residents to evacuate to higher ground or move inland immediately. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu extended warnings to Indonesia’s northern Sulawesi and Papua regions, plus Palau, forecasting waves of up to 3 metres for some parts of the Philippines and smaller waves up to one metre for Indonesia and Palau.
However, within a few hours, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center announced the tsunami threat had passed, with only minor sea level fluctuations detected on Indonesian and Philippine coasts. The highest wave recorded was 170mm above tide level in Indonesia’s North Sulawesi.
Casualties and Damage Reports
As reported by Reuters’ journalist Claire Li, the tremors resulted in at least seven deaths, with structural damage reported in towns near the epicentre including wall cracks in buildings and bridges. Over 200 patients were evacuated from Manay hospital in Davao Oriental due to foundation damage.
Nar Dayhirang, regional official of the Office of Civil Defense, informed DZMM radio of a fatality caused by a concrete wall collapse in Mati City, Davao. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr confirmed damage assessments were underway, with rescue teams and relief operations standing by to be deployed when safe.
Doublet Earthquake Phenomenon
The US Geological Survey and Phivolcs described this seismic event as a “doublet,” with two powerful quakes striking the same area within hours the first estimated at 7.4 magnitude and the second at 6.8. This unusual pairing heightened alert levels and complicated emergency responses as aftershocks continued to pose risks.
Government and Emergency Responses
President Marcos emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring safety, ordering the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Philippine Coast Guard, and other agencies to conduct evacuations and maintain emergency communication systems. Local governments cooperated in executing these directives.
Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV, deputy administrator of the Office of Civil Defence, reported ongoing operations at the Davao airport, which sustained minor structural damage but remained functional, avoiding flight cancellations.
Regional Impact Beyond the Philippines
Tsunami warnings and small wave detections extended to Indonesia and Palau, prompting precautionary measures. Residents in vulnerable coastal areas were advised to stay alert for potential aftershocks and monitor updates from authorities. Despite the warnings, no major tsunami waves materialised, and threats were deemed to have subsided by local noon on Friday.
Recent Seismic Activity Context
This earthquake followed closely on the heels of a devastating quake in the central Philippines just ten days earlier, which caused over 70 fatalities and left many injured. The region remains seismically active due to complex tectonic movements along the Philippine Trench and Pacific Ring of Fire.