A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of the Philippines early Friday, triggering widespread panic and tsunami warnings in several coastal regions. The tremor hit near Davao Oriental province, prompting emergency evacuations and disruption of power and communication lines.
According to initial reports, the earthquake struck at a shallow depth, intensifying its impact on nearby towns and villages. Residents rushed out of their homes as buildings shook violently. Authorities confirmed at least two fatalities and several injuries due to collapsing structures and falling debris.
Tsunami alerts were immediately issued for the eastern parts of Mindanao and nearby islands. People living near the coast were urged to move to higher ground. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center later said that waves of one to three meters could occur along the affected shorelines.
Officials temporarily suspended ferry services and flights in the southern region as a safety precaution. Schools and offices in affected provinces were closed while teams carried out inspections to assess structural damage. Power outages were also reported in parts of Davao and neighboring areas.
After several hours, the tsunami warnings were lifted as no major waves were observed, though authorities cautioned that aftershocks could follow. Emergency teams remain on high alert to assist residents and monitor the situation.
The Philippines sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. This latest quake comes days after another strong tremor struck Cebu, highlighting the country’s high vulnerability to seismic activity.
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