A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the sea off the eastern coast of Mindanao, Philippines, on Friday morning, October 10, 2025. The epicenter was located about 20 kilometers from Manay, Davao Oriental province, at a depth of 23 kilometers, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). Authorities issued a tsunami warning for coastal areas, urging immediate evacuation to higher ground.
The quake occurred at 9:43 a.m. local time, primarily affecting Surigao del Sur, Davao Oriental, and Surigao del Norte provinces. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed initial data, highlighting the risk of waves up to three meters above tide level. Rescue teams were deployed to assess damage to buildings and infrastructure.
At least two people died, with reports of injuries in damaged hospitals, such as the Davao Regional Medical Center in Tagum. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the activation of emergency protocols to assist affected populations swiftly.
Epicenter and intensity details
The earthquake reached intensity VIII on the modified Mercalli scale near the epicenter, causing cracks in walls and partial building collapses. Seismic records indicate the movement occurred in the Philippine Trench, an active subduction zone.
Local authorities reported power outages in Davao City and nearby towns, with crews working to restore essential services.
Tsunami warnings issued
Phivolcs issued the alert at 9:53 a.m., predicting initial waves from 10:12 a.m. in coastal areas. Recommendations included securing boats in harbors and keeping vessels offshore.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu extended the advisory to coasts within 300 kilometers of the epicenter, including parts of Indonesia and Palau. Minor sea level fluctuations were detected, but no destructive waves were confirmed.
The alert was lifted around noon local time after monitoring indicated the threat had passed, though authorities advised continued vigilance.
Aftershocks and recent history
Aftershocks of magnitudes 5.9 and 5.6 were recorded in the following hours, with potential for tremors up to 6.4. Phivolcs warned of possible further quakes within the next 24 hours.
- Main aftershocks: Magnitude 5.9 at 10:15 a.m.; magnitude 5.6 at 10:30 a.m.
- Most affected areas: Davao Oriental and Surigao del Norte.
- Preventive measures: Avoid returning to damaged buildings.
This event follows a 6.9 magnitude quake in Cebu on September 30, which killed 74 people and left thousands homeless.
Reported infrastructure damage
Hospitals in Tagum evacuated patients to open areas after damage to walls and ceilings. Schools in Davao City suspended classes, with children relocated to safe courtyards.
A witness in Manay described the tremor as the strongest in decades, lasting about 30 seconds. Engineering teams are inspecting bridges and roads to ensure access for rescues.
In Butuan City, a shopping mall reported falling objects but no serious injuries. The provincial government activated temporary shelters for displaced families.
The earthquake struck a highly seismic region, with over 800 tremors annually in the Philippine archipelago, located in the Pacific Ring of Fire. Phivolcs data indicates that quakes above magnitude 7 occur every few years in this zone.
Authorities are monitoring for landslides in mountainous areas, common after strong quakes, and distributing water and food supplies. The focus remains on accurately counting victims and restoring basic services, with ongoing updates from civil defense agencies.
Evacuation and rescue measures
Rescue teams reached isolated villages via damaged roads, prioritizing searches in collapsed buildings.
- Immediate actions: Evacuation of 500 families from risk zones.
- Federal support: Tents and medical equipment sent from Manila.
- International coordination: Collaboration with UN agencies for assessment.
The Philippine Office of Civil Defense is coordinating efforts, emphasizing epidemic prevention in crowded shelters.
Seismic preparedness in the region
The Philippines maintains an early warning system that activated sirens within minutes of the quake. Annual drills in Davao Oriental prepare communities for rapid response.
Buildings in coastal areas follow anti-seismic standards since 2010, reducing total collapses in recent events. However, the quake exposed vulnerabilities in older structures, prompting mandatory inspections.
