On this Democracy Day, I had intended to rest my pen. I wanted to leave the fate written on the walls of history to speak for itself. I thought perhaps the sacrifices of those who fought for democracy were enough testimony. Yet, in the final hour, a thought stirred within me, compelling me to write a message to all of us who have come together to form this sovereign nation called Nigeria. My message is particularly for those who believe that the business of Nigeria lies in the hands of a powerful few. Perhaps they are influenced by what the German sociologist Robert Michels described as the "Iron Law of Oligarchy" ,the tendency for power to concentrate in the hands of a small elite. Looking at our politics, our institutions, and our economy, one may be tempted to believe that the destiny of Nigeria is determined only by those who occupy powerful offices and influential positions. But history tells a different story. Nigeria does not belong to any president, governor, politi...
By Oriontimes Newsroom
Friday, October 10, 2025
A powerful earthquake has struck off the southern coast of the Philippines, shaking large parts of Mindanao and prompting tsunami warnings across the region.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the quake—measuring between 7.4 and 7.6 in magnitude, occurred offshore near Manay, Davao Oriental, at a shallow depth of about 10 to 20 kilometers. The tremor, which struck late Friday evening, sent residents fleeing to higher ground as authorities warned of possible tsunami waves.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed that hazardous waves were possible along coastal areas of the Philippines, Indonesia, and Palau. Early reports from local disaster agencies indicated that minor sea-level changes were recorded in some parts of Mindanao, though no major tsunami had yet been confirmed.
Initial damage assessments revealed collapsed structures and power outages in Davao Oriental and nearby provinces. Local officials reported evacuations from coastal towns as a precautionary measure. The full extent of casualties or damage remains unclear as aftershocks continue to rattle the region.
PHIVOLCS Director Teresito Bacolcol urged the public to remain vigilant, warning of potential aftershocks and advising residents in coastal areas to stay away from the shore until official all-clear notices are issued.
International monitoring agencies, including the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), also recorded the tremor, describing it as a “major offshore event” with the potential for regional impact.
The Philippines, located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, is one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries, frequently experiencing earthquakes and volcanic eruptions due to its position along active tectonic fault lines.
As of press time, tsunami warnings remain in effect, though authorities have begun scaling back alerts in some areas following assessments of wave activity. Emergency teams are on standby as the situation continues to develop.
Comments
Post a Comment
Join the conversation!
Have insights, corrections, or questions about this news story? Drop your comment below. We value civil, fact-based discussion.