A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Mindanao in the Philippines on Friday morning, triggering immediate tsunami warnings across the region. The tremor hit waters near Manay town in Davao Oriental province at a depth of 10 kilometres, sending shockwaves through communities across the southern Philippines.
Tsunami warnings were issued for the Philippines and neighbouring regions of Indonesia, with authorities warning that hazardous waves were possible within 300 kilometres of the earthquake's epicentre. Sky News reports that the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre in Honolulu predicted tsunami waves up to three metres above normal tide levels could threaten Philippine coasts.
Immediate human impact
Dramatic footage shared on social media captured the earthquake's devastating force as people crouched on all fours, struggling to maintain balance while the ground shook violently beneath them. Motorcycles toppled over from the tremor's intensity, highlighting the quake's destructive power.
People in Tagum city were heard praying desperately in videos posted online, crying "Save us, Lord" as debris cascaded around them from damaged buildings. Dozens of patients fled the Southern Philippines Medical Center as the building shook, creating scenes of panic and confusion.
Official response and damage
The governor of Davao Oriental province, Edwin Jubahib, confirmed widespread panic when the earthquake struck. "Some buildings were reported to have been damaged," he told broadcaster DZMM. "It was very strong."
Express reports that the earthquake struck just 20 miles east of Davao city, home to nearly two million people, raising concerns about potential casualties and infrastructure damage. Indonesia's geophysics agency also issued tsunami warnings for its North Sulawesi and Papua regions, reflecting the international scope of the threat.
Regional earthquake pattern
This major earthquake occurred just ten days after a deadly 6.9-magnitude quake devastated Bogo City in Cebu province, killing 71 people and leaving thousands displaced. Aftershocks from the previous earthquake are still being felt across the affected areas.
The Philippines sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and experiences more than 800 earthquakes annually, making it one of the world's most seismically active regions. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre recorded the quake's magnitude at 7.4 with a depth of 58 kilometres, while Philippine authorities measured it at 7.6 magnitude.
Sources used: "Guardian", "Sky News", "Mirror", "Express", "US Tsunami Warning System", "Philippine seismology agency", "European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre", "Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre"
Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
