Un magnitude 7,6 earthquake shook the southern Philippines at 9:43 local time (01:43 GMT), prompting authorities to activate the tsunami warning already ordered preemptive evacuations in coastal areas of Mindanao, and coordinated the deployment of humanitarian aid.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the epicenter was located offshore, approximately 62 kilometers southeast of Manay (Davao Oriental), with a shallow depth of about 10 kilometers, and the tremor was felt strongly in several provinces on the island of Mindanao.
What is known about the earthquake
Initial PHIVOLCS measurements established the magnitude 7,6 with a focus near the coast of Davao Oriental, and seismological agencies warned of possible aftershocks in the next few hours which could be perceived in a good part of the south of the archipelago.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) warned of the possibility of dangerous waves within a radius of 300 kilometers from the epicenter, with estimated heights of between 1 and 3 meters above the tide in sections of the Philippine coastline exposed to the Pacific, and highlighted the relationship between earthquakes and tsunamis.
Faced with the threat of rising sea levels, authorities insisted on keeping the population far from beaches and river mouths until technicians confirm that the risk is decreasing.
Tsunami alert and evacuations
PHIVOLCS requested immediate evacuations in low-lying areas of the eastern coast of Mindanao, especially in Davao Oriental, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Sur and the Danagat Islands, asking residents to move to higher ground.
Local authorities reinforced the warnings with direct messages: stay out of the coastal strip, avoid ports and docks and cut off access to potentially flood-prone areas until further notice.
In parallel, Indonesia issued warnings for the regions of North Sulawesi and Papua, in response to the potential impact of sea level fluctuations on its coasts, with response teams ready in coastal towns.
Impact and first damage
In the provinces close to the epicenter, power outages, partial collapses and orderly exit from buildings. In Davao City, schools they evacuated the students As a precautionary measure.
The Civil Defense Office warned that the wave train could reach several provinces in the next two hours to the main tremor, and urged to secure vessels and clear ports and inlets.
Temporary suspensions of classes were ordered and reduction of activity in public offices non-essential, while inspection teams checked for structural damage to buildings and roads.
So far there is no final death tollEmergency services are prioritizing the search for injured people, checking critical infrastructure, and ensuring security in coastal areas.
Response from the authorities
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reported the activation of national emergency protocols and the progressive deployment of search, rescue and relief operations, in coordination with local governments and the coast guard.
PHIVOLCS, through its technical direction, reiterated that a aftershock scenario and asked citizens to follow only official announcements, limit travel, and respect security cordons.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center maintains the continuous sea level monitoring, and civil defense agencies coordinate communications to facilitate evacuation routes and temporary shelters.
Philippines in the Ring of Fire
The Philippines is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, a zone of plate collisions with strong seismic and volcanic activity where thousands of earthquakes are recorded each year, most of them moderate, but with the potential for severe events.
This episode comes a few days after another magnitude 6,9 earthquake in the central region (Cebu Island), which left dozens dead and displaced, recalling the vulnerability of the archipelago to natural disasters and the need for constant preparation.
With the alert active and the operation underway, the priorities are: protection of life, monitoring sea behavior and technically assessing damage, while coastal communities remain attentive to official instructions.
