The aftermath of the earthquake in Davao Oriental, Philippines on October 10, 2025. BUREAU OF FIRE PROTECTION

At least eight people were killed and 11 others injured when two powerful earthquakes rocked the southern Philippines on Friday (October 10), triggering tsunami warnings and forcing thousands to evacuate coastal towns. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported that the first quake, a magnitude 7.4, struck offshore near Manay, Davao Oriental at 9:43am (Philippine time), followed nearly 10 hours later by a magnitude 6.8 aftershock in the same area. The tremors were felt as far as Cebu, Iloilo, and Bohol, causing panic and prompting widespread evacuations. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said all fatalities were recorded in the Davao Region, including three miners killed after a tunnel collapse in Pantukan town, and another victim in Mati City who was crushed by a falling wall. Two others died of heart attacks during the quake, while one was killed by falling debris in Davao City. “Some tunnels collapsed, but the miners managed to get out,” said Kent Simeon, a rescue official in Pantukan. “Destructive tsunami is expected with life-threatening wave heights,” Phivolcs warned earlier, advising residents to “immediately evacuate to higher grounds or move farther inland.” Authorities lifted tsunami warnings later in the day after sea levels stabilized, though aftershocks continued through the night. According to the NDRRMC, the twin quakes displaced over 3,500 families, comprising of a total of 8,400 individuals in Davao Region and Caraga, with nearly 8,000 people now staying in evacuation centers. At least 28 houses were damaged, five destroyed, and several bridges and roads rendered impassable due to landslides and ground ruptures. The quake also caused tremors across Visayas provinces, leading to class and work suspensions in Cebu, Iloilo, and Bohol. Structural inspections were immediately ordered for public buildings and schools. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured that rescue and relief operations were underway, saying damage assessment teams were already on the ground. “Our rescue teams are mobilized and ready to assist affected communities once safety is confirmed,” Marcos said in a statement. This disaster comes barely two weeks after a 6.9-magnitude earthquake in Cebu killed 74 people and destroyed historic landmarks, highlighting the region’s continued vulnerability to seismic activity. ICA/CAM/Expat Media
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