An offshore earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6 struck off the coast of Davao Oriental, a southern province of the Philippines, on Friday morning. This incident prompted warnings of a potentially hazardous tsunami in nearby coastal areas. The earthquake occurred at approximately 10 AM local time and triggered immediate concern among government and disaster response agencies.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the tremor originated from a shallow fault movement at a depth of 10 kilometres. The epicentre of the earthquake lay approximately 62 kilometres southeast of Manay town, which is known for its lush landscapes. Officials noted the risk of possible damage and strong aftershocks following the initial quake.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu notified that hazardous waves could potentially affect areas within 300 kilometres of the epicentre. Forecasts indicate some Philippine coastlines may experience waves exceeding 3 metres above normal tide levels. Smaller tsunami waves are also likely to impact regions in Indonesia and Palau, raising fears of broader regional impacts.
This seismic event follows a recent magnitude 6.9 earthquake that occurred on September 30, which tragically resulted in the loss of at least 74 lives and caused the displacement of thousands in the central province of Cebu, particularly in Bogo city and surrounding areas. The significant loss from this earlier quake has heightened the anxiety among residents as they face another seismic threat.
The Philippines, positioned on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, ranks among the most disaster-prone countries globally. This region is notorious for its frequent seismic activity and is annually battered by about 20 typhoons and storms, making disaster preparedness and response a vital governmental and community obligation. Experts stress the importance of having effective evacuation plans and emergency supplies in place.
Authorities have urged all residents, particularly those along the coastline, to stay alert and strictly adhere to recommended evacuation protocols as the situation develops. Ensuring the safety and well-being of civilians remains the top priority as further assessments are undertaken and alerts are updated.
