A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the southeastern coast of the Philippines on Friday morning, triggering tsunami warnings and prompting coastal evacuations, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).
The quake hit at 9:45 a.m. local time, off the eastern side of Mindanao island, about 123 kilometers (79 miles) from Davao City, at a depth of 58.1 kilometers (36 miles). The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), which recorded the quake at 7.6 magnitude, warned that “a destructive tsunami with life-threatening wave heights” was possible and urged residents in eastern and southern coastal areas to evacuate immediately.
The US Tsunami Warning System reported potential wave heights of 1 to 3 meters along parts of the Philippines, while smaller waves of 30 centimeters to 1 meter could affect Indonesia and Palau. A video from a market in Davao captured the moment of the quake—ground trembling violently as people screamed and rushed for safety.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said emergency teams were on high alert and rescue operations were being prepared. “We are working round the clock to ensure that help reaches everyone who needs it,” he stated.
This disaster comes less than two weeks after a 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck near Cebu, killing at least 72 people, injuring hundreds, and displacing tens of thousands—the deadliest quake in the Philippines in over a decade.
Officials from the Office of Civil Defense warned that tsunami waves could impact six coastal provinces near Davao, urging residents to move to higher ground or further inland. “We urge these coastal communities to be on alert and evacuate immediately until further notice,” said Deputy Administrator Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV.
The Philippines, located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, is among the world’s most disaster-prone nations, frequently hit by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and typhoons. The country is already reeling from two destructive typhoons this month, and now faces growing public protests over alleged misuse of government disaster-relief funds.
