A powerful earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale struck the southern Philippines on Friday, sending waves of panic across the Mindanao region. The quake, which occurred at a depth of 62 kilometers off the coast of Manay town in Davao Oriental, has triggered a “destructive tsunami” warning from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
Authorities have urged residents in coastal areas to evacuate immediately to higher ground, warning that “life-threatening wave heights” may strike within hours. The first tsunami waves are expected to reach the shores between 9:43 AM and 11:43 AM (PST) on October 10, 2025. According to Phivolcs, “Based on the local tsunami scenario database, wave heights could rise more than one meter above normal tides and may be even higher in enclosed bays and straits.”
The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) confirmed the quake’s depth at 62 km (38.53 miles), while the U.S. Tsunami Warning System also issued alerts for coastal areas within 300 kilometers (186 miles) of the epicenter, indicating the potential for hazardous tsunami waves.
As of now, there are no immediate reports of casualties or damage, but local authorities remain on high alert. “Aftershocks and possible structural damage are expected due to the strength of this offshore quake,” Phivolcs added in a statement. Residents have reported feeling strong, prolonged tremors that shook homes and buildings across parts of Davao, Surigao, and General Santos.
The Philippine Coast Guard and disaster management teams have begun emergency evacuations along the eastern coastline, urging fishermen and coastal residents to stay away from the shores. Schools and offices in several provinces have been temporarily closed as precautionary measures.
This disaster comes just a week after a 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck Cebu province, killing at least 74 people and injuring dozens more. That powerful quake also caused the collapse of the centuries-old Parish of Saint Peter the Apostle in Bantayan, one of the region’s most historic landmarks.
The Philippines sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, a highly active seismic zone where the majority of the world’s earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. Experts have long warned that the country remains vulnerable to powerful quakes and tsunamis due to its geological position.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, and residents are being urged to follow official updates through government advisories, radio, and emergency alerts. “Do not wait for the tsunami to arrive. Move immediately to higher ground and stay there until it is declared safe,” the Phivolcs advisory emphasized.
As the nation braces for the aftermath, the government has mobilized rescue units and medical teams in high-risk regions, ready to respond to any emergency. The full extent of the impact will become clearer once communications and assessments from coastal communities are restored.
