An offshore earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6 struck off the coast of Davao Oriental in the Philippines on Friday morning. The tremor triggered warnings of a potential hazardous tsunami in nearby coastal areas.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) confirmed that the earthquake resulted from shallow fault movement at a depth of 10 kilometres. The epicentre was approximately 62 kilometres southeast of Manay town. Authorities anticipate possible damage and strong aftershocks following the initial quake.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu reported that hazardous waves could reach areas within 300 kilometres of the epicentre. Some Philippine coasts may experience waves rising up to 3 metres above normal tide levels. Smaller tsunami waves are also a concern for regions in Indonesia and Palau.
This earthquake comes as the Philippines continues to heal from a recent magnitude 6.9 earthquake on September 30, which resulted in the loss of at least 74 lives and displaced thousands in the central province of Cebu. Bogo City and surrounding towns suffered significant damage from that event.
The Philippines is known as one of the most disaster-prone countries globally, located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”—a zone renowned for its frequent seismic activities. Additionally, the nation faces challenges from approximately 20 typhoons and storms annually. Consequently, disaster preparedness and response remain vital responsibilities for both government bodies and volunteer organizations.
In light of the recent earthquake, authorities have urged all coastal residents to remain vigilant and follow evacuation protocols until the tsunami threat passes. The government continues to monitor conditions closely and updates the public as more information becomes available.
