Philippines, Earthquake Jolts Mindanao Sparks Tsunami Alerts
On October 10, 2025, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck offshore near Manay, Davao Oriental, in the southern Philippines. The quake occurred at 9:43 a.m. local time, with a depth of 10 kilometers, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). The tremor was felt across Mindanao, causing panic, structural damage, and triggering tsunami warnings in multiple provinces.
Philippines, Earthquake Jolts Mindanao Sparks Tsunami Alerts |
Phivolcs issued tsunami alerts for coastal areas including:
Davao Oriental
Surigao del Sur
Dinagat Islands
Eastern Samar
Southern Leyte
Residents were urged to evacuate to higher ground immediately. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center warned of waves between 1 to 3 meters above normal tide levels, while Indonesia also issued alerts for North Sulawesi and Papua.
Damage and Casualties
One person died after being hit by falling debris in Davao Oriental
Power outages affected multiple towns
Cracks reported in buildings, including schools and airports
Over 50 students were hospitalized due to injuries and shock
Classes and work suspended in Mati City and surrounding areas
Local officials confirmed aftershocks continued throughout the day, deepening fears and disrupting emergency response efforts.
The Philippines lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for intense seismic activity. This quake was caused by movement along the Philippine Trench, where the Philippine Sea Plate subducts beneath the Eurasian Plate. The region experiences over 800 earthquakes annually, but this was one of the strongest in recent years.
Experts emphasize the importance of:
Early warning systems
Community drills and education
Structural resilience in coastal towns
The quake came just two weeks after a deadly 6.9 magnitude quake in Cebu, which killed 72 people.