Powerful 7.6-Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Philippines, Tsunami Alert Issued

New Delhi | October 10, 2025 A massive earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale struck the southern Philippines on Friday, prompting authorities to issue tsunami warnings and evacuation advisories across coastal regions. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the quake’s epicentre was located offshore near Manay town in Davao Oriental, Mindanao, at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres. Phivolcs cautioned that aftershocks and structural damage were likely following the powerful tremor. Residents in central and southern coastal areas were urged to move inland or to higher ground as a precautionary measure. The agency warned that waves up to three metres could strike parts of the Philippine coastline. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii echoed the alert, stating that dangerous tsunami waves could form within 186 miles of the quake’s epicentre. Smaller waves were also expected along the coastlines of Indonesia and Palau. Local reports described widespread panic as buildings swayed violently during the quake. Davao Oriental Governor Edwin Jubahib told local media that some structures had sustained damage, though detailed assessments were still underway. “It was very strong. People ran out of buildings in fear,” he said. Footage shared on social media captured chaotic scenes, including patients and staff evacuating the Tagum City Davao Regional Medical Center as intense shaking rocked the building. Another video from a fish breeding facility showed water sloshing violently in tanks and buckets, underscoring the quake’s sheer power. In Indonesia, authorities issued a tsunami warning for northern Sulawesi and Papua, forecasting waves up to 50 centimetres high along coastal areas. Officials there also urged residents to remain alert until the situation stabilised. As of now, there have been no confirmed reports of casualties or major infrastructure collapse, but emergency teams remain on standby for potential rescue operations. The earthquake comes just two weeks after the Philippines experienced its deadliest tremor in more than a decade — a 6.9-magnitude quake that struck off Cebu and claimed 72 lives. That disaster, occurring offshore as well, left many communities still in recovery when Friday’s stronger quake hit. The Philippines, located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, is one of the world’s most disaster-prone nations, experiencing frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions due to its tectonic positioning. Authorities continue to monitor seismic activity closely as residents brace for possible aftershocks. Friday’s quake, though offshore, served as a stark reminder of the archipelago’s vulnerability and the urgent need for disaster preparedness in the region. Emergency response units, including the coast guard and local disaster councils, have been deployed to assess the impact and ensure coastal populations remain safe. 7.6-Magnitude Quake Strikes the Philippines A powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake jolted the southern Philippines, triggering a tsunami warning and mass evacuations across coastal regions. The tremor struck near Manay town in Davao Oriental at a depth of just 10 kilometres, causing widespread panic as buildings shook violently. Authorities warned of possible aftershocks and waves up to three metres high along the coast. Videos circulating online show residents rushing out of buildings and hospitals being evacuated. The quake comes just two weeks after a deadly 6.9-magnitude tremor in Cebu, underscoring the Philippines’ position on the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire.