Powerful Earthquake Strikes Off Southern Philippines, Triggers Tsunami Warning and Evacuations

Mindanao, Philippines – October 10, 2025 – A powerful earthquake, initially measured as high as magnitude 7.6 before being revised to magnitude 7.4, struck off the coast of the southern Philippines island of Mindanao this morning, prompting immediate tsunami warnings and mass evacuations in coastal areas.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported the offshore tectonic quake hit waters off Manay town in Davao Oriental in the Mindanao region at 9:43 a.m. local time (PST). The quake was centered at a depth of approximately 23 kilometers (14 miles).

Tsunami Threat and Evacuations

Following the strong tremor, Phivolcs issued an initial tsunami warning, urging residents in coastal areas of the central and southern Philippines to immediately evacuate to higher ground or move farther inland. The agency had warned that waves of more than one meter above normal tides were expected on the country's eastern coast, with possible waves up to three meters high in the areas near the epicenter.

The warning was also extended to neighboring countries, with tsunami alerts issued for parts of Indonesia and the Pacific island nation of Palau. Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency reported detecting minor tsunami waves, with heights ranging from 3.5 to 17 centimeters in the Talaud Islands.

LATEST UPDATE: The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) later issued an advisory confirming that the tsunami threat had passed for the Philippines, Indonesia, and Palau, approximately two hours after the quake. Small sea fluctuations, however, may continue. Local authorities are advising residents to wait for official clearance before returning to low-lying areas.

Initial Damage and Casualties

The earthquake, described by local officials as the strongest in recent memory, caused widespread panic and some initial damage.

• Casualties: At least one death has been reported, with the victim killed by falling debris. Several other individuals, including about 50 students, were taken to hospitals after sustaining bruises, fainting, or becoming dizzy due to the intense shaking.

• Infrastructure Damage: Initial reports from Davao Oriental indicate damage to homes, buildings, and a church façade. An international airport in Davao City sustained minor damage but remains operational. Several buildings in affected areas, including schools and a hospital, have reported cracks and structural issues, prompting temporary closures and patient evacuations.

• Disruptions: Classes and government work were suspended in several provinces, including Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, and Davao del Norte, as a precautionary measure.

Government Response

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. released a statement directing all concerned agencies, including the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Philippine Coast Guard, to immediately carry out evacuations in coastal areas and coordinate closely with local governments. The government is currently assessing the full extent of the damage, and search-and-rescue teams are being prepared for deployment.

The event follows closely on the heels of a magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck the island of Cebu just two weeks prior, a stark reminder of the Philippines' location on the seismically active "Pacific Ring of Fire." Authorities continue to warn residents to be vigilant against potential aftershocks and to heed all official safety advisories.