Powerful Earthquake Strikes Southern Philippines, Tsunami Warning Issued

 

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.