Powerful Double Earthquakes Hit Southern Philippines, Seven Dead

MANILA, Philippines — Two strong earthquakes struck the southern Philippines on Friday, just hours apart, causing widespread fear, casualties, and temporary tsunami warnings. The first quake, with a magnitude of 7.4, resulted in at least seven deaths, landslides, and evacuations of coastal areas. Later, a second tremor of 6.8 magnitude shook the same region, prompting another local tsunami alert.

The Philippine Institute of Seismology and Volcanology (PHIVOLCS) confirmed that both earthquakes occurred along the Philippine Trench. The first quake struck at a depth of 23 kilometers (14 miles) off Manay town in Davao Oriental province, while the second, described as a “doublet quake,” occurred at a depth of 37 kilometers (23 miles) with a slightly different epicenter. Authorities warned that the second earthquake could further damage structures weakened by the first tremor.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the government was assessing the damage and preparing rescue and relief operations, which will be deployed as soon as it is safe.

Casualties and Damage

The first earthquake claimed the lives of at least seven people, including two hospital patients who suffered heart attacks during the tremor and a resident struck by debris in Mati City, Davao Oriental. Three villagers were killed in a landslide triggered by the quake in Pantukan town, Davao de Oro province, while several others were injured. Another resident died in Davao City, and hundreds more sustained injuries.

Several buildings suffered structural cracks, including an international airport in Davao City, though it remained operational without flight cancellations. Schools and public institutions were temporarily evacuated for safety.

Eyewitness Jun Saavedra described the quake: “I was driving when my car swayed violently. Power lines were moving, and people ran out of their homes as the ground shook.”

Impact on Schools and Communities

In Davao City, home to approximately 5.4 million people, schools were evacuated as a precaution. Governor Generoso town, located about 100 kilometers south of Manay, also suspended classes. Some students experienced bruises, dizziness, or fainting during the tremors and were treated in hospitals.

Tsunami Warnings and Small Waves

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reported minor sea level changes along the Philippines and Indonesia but confirmed no major tsunami waves occurred. Evacuation orders in six coastal provinces near Davao Oriental were lifted within hours. Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency reported small tsunami waves in North Sulawesi, measuring between 3.5 and 17 centimeters.

Philippines’ Vulnerability to Natural Disasters

The southern Philippines is highly prone to earthquakes and typhoons. The region is still recovering from a 6.9-magnitude quake on September 30, which killed at least 74 people and displaced thousands in Cebu province. The country experiences around 20 typhoons annually, making disaster preparedness and response a significant challenge for both the government and volunteer organizations.

Other Seismic Activity

Meanwhile, a separate earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.0 struck off the coast of Papua New Guinea, 414 kilometers northeast of Lae. No damage or casualties were reported.

Authorities continue to monitor seismic activity closely, urging residents to remain alert, follow official advisories, and avoid coastal areas until it is deemed safe.