A 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck Mindanao on Friday, prompting authorities to issue urgent evacuation orders amid fears of a destructive tsunami. The quake occurred offshore near Manay town in Davao Oriental, at a depth of 62 km (38.5 miles), according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC). The tsunami warning has now been lifted, Reuters reported.
Evacuations and safety measures
Residents in coastal towns were instructed to move to higher ground or further inland as authorities prepared for possible aftershocks and damage assessment. In Davao city, home to around 5.4 million people and the largest city near the epicenter, children were evacuated from schools. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed that search and rescue operations would begin shortly and that teams were working round the clock to ensure aid reached those in need.
Damage and aftershocks
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported that the quake, originally measured at 7.6, had a revised magnitude of 7.5 and a depth of 20 km (12 miles). Regional officials, including Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib, have confirmed that infrastructural damage is being reported. Some buildings, including a church in Davao Oriental, were damaged.
Residents reported panic on the streets as people rushed out of buildings. Authorities continue to monitor aftershocks and assess the structural impact in affected regions.
Tsunami warnings and response
Initially, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology warned of waves over one metre above normal tide levels, with higher waves possible in enclosed bays and straits. The U.S. Tsunami Warning System also issued alerts for coasts within 300 km of the epicenter. Indonesia’s North Sulawesi and Papua regions were included in tsunami warnings, with predicted wave heights up to 50 cm (20 inches).
Authorities emphasised that while the tsunami threat has now passed, coastal residents must remain vigilant due to potential aftershocks and localized flooding.
Context and recent quakes
The Mindanao earthquake follows a 6.9 magnitude quake in Cebu province last week, which killed at least 74 people and destroyed the centuries-old Parish of Saint Peter the Apostle in Bantayan. These consecutive seismic events have heightened concerns about infrastructure resilience and disaster preparedness in the Philippines.
Conclusion
The 7.5 magnitude earthquake in Mindanao serves as a stark reminder of the Philippines’ vulnerability to seismic and tsunami hazards. Authorities continue to assess damage, provide relief, and ensure residents are safe from potential aftershocks. Emergency teams remain on high alert, especially in coastal and low-lying regions.