Powerful 7.6-Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Philippines; Tsunami Warning Issued
Manila, Philippines —
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the undersea quake occurred off the coast of Manay town in Davao Oriental, Mindanao, at a shallow depth of just 10 kilometers. Authorities immediately warned of possible aftershocks and structural damage, urging residents in low-lying coastal regions to move to higher ground as a precaution.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii said dangerous waves could be generated within 300 kilometers (186 miles) of the epicenter. Waves as high as three meters (10 feet) were expected to hit parts of the Philippine coast, while smaller surges were possible in Indonesia and Palau.
Davao Oriental Governor Edwin Jubahib described the tremors as “very strong,” adding that several buildings had sustained visible cracks. “People panicked when the earthquake struck — many rushed outside their homes and offices,” Jubahib told local media, as quoted by Reuters.
Footage shared across social media showed scenes of chaos and fear — patients and hospital staff were seen running for safety at Tagum City Davao Hospital, while another video from a fish-rearing facility captured water tanks violently shaking during the quake.
So far, no casualties or major damage have been officially reported, but authorities are conducting inspections across affected regions. Emergency response teams have been placed on high alert as aftershocks continue to rattle Mindanao.
Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency also issued a tsunami advisory for northern Sulawesi and Papua, warning of possible waves reaching up to 50 centimeters.
Friday’s powerful quake comes just two weeks after the Philippines experienced its deadliest earthquake in more than a decade — a 6.9-magnitude tremor that struck near Cebu, claiming 72 lives and destroying dozens of structures.
As the Philippines lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” experts warn that the region remains highly vulnerable to seismic activity. Authorities have urged the public to stay alert and follow official advisories as monitoring continues through the night.
