Manila: A powerful undersea earthquake measuring 7.6 magnitude struck off the coast of Mindanao, the southernmost major island of the Philippines, early Friday evening, prompting widespread tsunami warnings and forcing thousands of coastal residents to evacuate to higher ground. The tremor, one of the strongest to hit the region this year, has reignited fears in a nation frequently tested by seismic and volcanic activity.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the quake occurred at 5:37 p.m. local time near the coastal municipality of Manay in Davao Oriental province, with a shallow depth of about 10 kilometers (6 miles) a factor that often amplifies surface shaking. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) later reported a slightly lower magnitude of 7.4, with an estimated depth of 58 kilometers (36 miles), underscoring slight variations in global seismographic readings.
Authorities immediately issued a tsunami warning, advising people in southern and eastern Mindanao, as well as parts of Visayas, to move inland and seek higher ground. PHIVOLCS warned that waves of up to one meter above normal sea level could hit low-lying coastal communities within two hours of the tremor. Local government units across Davao, Surigao, and Agusan provinces activated emergency protocols, and sirens were sounded in several coastal villages to urge immediate evacuation.
The U.S. Tsunami Warning System also issued an advisory, cautioning that hazardous waves could affect coastlines within a 300-kilometer (186-mile) radius of the epicenter. Philippine Coast Guard teams were deployed to monitor sea levels and ensure that fishing boats and vessels remained anchored at safe distances.
As night fell, no major casualties or structural damages were initially reported, though authorities continued to assess remote and mountainous areas where communication lines were disrupted. Aftershocks were felt across parts of Davao City, General Santos, and Cagayan de Oro, causing panic among residents and prompting temporary power shutdowns as a safety measure.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to stay on high alert and coordinate relief and evacuation efforts. Local disaster officials said temporary shelters were being prepared for families forced to leave their homes, while hospitals and emergency units were instructed to remain on standby.
Seismologists have emphasized that Mindanao lies within the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an area of intense seismic activity where tectonic plates frequently collide, causing earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Experts say that while the Philippines has advanced its early warning and evacuation systems, the combination of high population density and coastal geography continues to leave millions at risk.
For now, the people of Mindanao remain on edge as aftershocks ripple through the region. PHIVOLCS has urged the public to remain cautious, avoid returning to coastal areas prematurely, and stay tuned for official updates. The agency noted that further seismic activity could not be ruled out over the next 24 hours.