Massive Earthquakes in Philippines: What We Know So Far!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

1. Incident Overview

On October 10, 2025, a major magnitude 7.4–7.5 earthquake struck off the coast of Davao Oriental, in the southern Philippines, near Manay town. [1]
A strong aftershock / doublet quake measuring 6.8 (or 6.7–6.8) hit the same region several hours later.

[2. Tsunami Warnings & Alerts

• Immediately after the quake, tsunami warnings were issued for the Philippines, neighboring Indonesia, and Palau. [1]
• The U.S. Tsunami Warning System projected possible hazardous waves for coastlines within ~300 km of the epicenter. [1]
• Later, warnings were scaled back or lifted in many areas as wave activity proved minimal. [3]

2. Damage, Casualties & Disruptions

• At least seven deaths have been confirmed from the twin quakes. [3]
• Structural damage reported: houses, facades, bridges, and roads in Manay and surrounding towns. [4]
• Local hospitals were partially evacuated due to damaged infrastructure. [4]
• Schools in affected zones were temporarily closed as safety checks were conducted. [3]
• Power outages and communication disruptions were also reported in some localities. [3]

2. Geological Context & Aftershock Risks

• The quake’s epicenter lies along the Philippine Trench, a major tectonic boundary known for deep-sea seismic activity. [4]
• Phivolcs (the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology) warned of aftershocks and advised coastal residents to relocate to higher ground. [4]
• This event came just days after a magnitude 6.9 quake in Cebu (September 30, 2025) that caused significant fatalities and damage. [5]
• Experts note that while multiple major quakes in quick succession are alarming, they may not always be directly linked. [6]

2. What Authorities Are Doing

• The Philippine government has begun search-and-rescue operations as conditions permit. [1]
• Damage assessment teams have been deployed to evaluate infrastructure, homes, and critical buildings. [4]
• Evacuations in vulnerable coastal areas were ordered, with some localities already clearing zones near the shore. [4]

Citations:

1. Reuters: www.reuters.com/business/environment/magnitude-72-earthquake-strikes-philippines-mindanao-emsc-says-2025-10-10/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. The Guardian: www.theguardian.com/world/2025/oct/10/tsunami-warning-philippines-indonesia-earthquake-mindanao?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. AP News: apnews.com/article/b4136101b62a313ff327737433748e27?utm_source=chatgpt.com
4. Al Jazeera: www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10/10/tsunami-warning-after-7-4-earthquake-off-philippines-what-we-know?utm_source=chatgpt.com
5. The Guardian: www.theguardian.com/world/2025/sep/30/central-philippines-hit-by-powerful-earthquake?utm_source=chatgpt.com
6. Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Davao_earthquake?utm_source=chatgpt.com

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