A powerful earthquake rattled parts of Davao Oriental on the morning of October 10, 2025, sending shockwaves through Mindanao and triggering tsunami warnings. Many felt panic, lights flickered, and coastal communities were urged to seek higher ground.
The Quake That Rumbled Mindanao
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) initially recorded a magnitude 7.6 quake though later assessments placed it at magnitude 7.5 or 7.4 at a shallow depth. Its epicenter was off the coast of Manay, Davao Oriental. Tremors were felt strongly in Davao City registering Intensity 5 and in other parts of Mindanao such as Cagayan de Oro.
Aftershocks and Tsunami Warnings
Shortly after the main quake, a magnitude 5.9 aftershock followed. Tsunami alerts were raised for several provinces including Davao Oriental, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte, and Leyte. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center warned of possible waves between 1 to 3 meters above normal tides. Local evacuations were ordered in coastal communities. Reports of structural damage, power outages, and people fainting in schools emerged.
Davao’s quake is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities our country faces along the Pacific “Ring of Fire.” The strength of a community is seen in how we respond with empathy, swift action, and sustained support. Let’s be part of the healing by offering help, hope, and solidarity.
