A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the southern island of Mindanao in the Philippines on Friday evening, sending waves of panic across cities and prompting immediate tsunami warnings along the country’s eastern coastline. The quake, which occurred at a depth of 30 kilometres, was recorded by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) at approximately 8:30 PM local time.

The epicentre was located off the coast of Davao Oriental, a province often exposed to seismic activity due to its proximity to the Philippine Trench, one of the world’s most active subduction zones. Within minutes of the earthquake, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered immediate evacuations in low-lying coastal areas, particularly in Surigao del Sur, Davao Oriental, and Davao de Oro, citing the risk of tsunami waves reaching several feet in height.

Initial tremors and public response

Residents across Davao City, General Santos, Butuan, and Cotabato reported intense ground shaking lasting nearly a minute. Many described scenes of chaos as people rushed out of their homes, businesses, and malls. Power outages were reported in several areas, and communication lines experienced temporary disruptions.

Videos circulating on social media showed buildings swaying, objects falling, and people evacuating in fear. Emergency sirens blared in coastal towns as local authorities began urging residents to move to higher ground.

Government and emergency actions

In an official statement released late Friday, President Marcos Jr. said:

“We are prioritising the safety of our people. All coastal communities are advised to evacuate immediately and cooperate with local disaster officials. The government’s disaster response units are on full alert.”

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) activated its emergency operations centre, coordinating with local governments and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to deploy rescue and relief teams. Evacuation centres have been set up in schools, community halls, and churches across the affected regions.

The Philippine Coast Guard has also deployed vessels to monitor sea levels and assist in possible rescue operations.

Tsunami warnings and global monitoring

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) issued a tsunami threat message, warning that hazardous waves could reach the coasts of the Philippines, Indonesia, and Palau. Phivolcs advised coastal residents to stay away from the shorelines, even if they could not yet see the ocean receding—a classic precursor to tsunami waves.

As of early Saturday morning, minor sea level disturbances were recorded in some coastal areas, though no major tsunami wave had yet been confirmed. However, authorities maintained that the risk remained and cautioned residents not to return to their homes prematurely.

Aftershocks and infrastructure damage

Phivolcs reported several aftershocks, ranging between magnitude 4.0 and 6.2, rattling the region throughout the night. Engineers and local government units are currently assessing damage to infrastructure, particularly bridges, highways, hospitals, and power facilities.

Early reports suggest that parts of Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley experienced landslides, while cracks in roads and buildings were observed in some municipalities. In certain towns, power substations shut down automatically to prevent electrical hazards.

A region prone to seismic activity

The Philippines sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a major area in the Pacific Ocean where many of the world’s earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. This region experiences frequent tectonic activity due to the collision of multiple tectonic plates, including the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate.

The Mindanao region, in particular, has faced numerous destructive earthquakes over the years. In 2019, a series of strong quakes measuring between 6.5 and 6.9 magnitude struck Cotabato and Davao, killing dozens and displacing thousands.

Preparedness and lessons from the past

Experts from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology have long emphasised the need for earthquake-resilient infrastructure and community preparedness programs. The latest quake, they say, underscores how critical it is to strengthen local disaster response mechanisms.

According to Dr. Renato Solidum Jr., Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, the Philippines must continue to integrate disaster risk reduction into urban planning:

“Earthquakes cannot be predicted, but we can reduce their impact through preparedness and proper design standards. Communities must always be ready to move quickly when warnings are issued.”

Eyewitness accounts

Residents across affected provinces shared harrowing experiences. Maria Dela Cruz, a teacher in Davao Oriental, said the quake felt “like being on a ship in rough seas.” She added, “Our school building shook so hard that ceiling tiles fell. We immediately ran to the open field.”

Another resident, Rey Villamor from Mati City, said his family evacuated within minutes. “The warning sirens went off, and everyone was shouting ‘run to higher ground’. We didn’t take any chances.”

Economic and environmental impact

While a full assessment is still underway, early indicators suggest possible damage to roads, utilities, and agriculture in Mindanao’s southern provinces. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has dispatched assessment teams to survey the structural integrity of bridges and public buildings.

Local fisheries have temporarily suspended operations along the coast due to the tsunami risk. Environmental experts are also monitoring possible shifts in coastal terrain, which could affect coral reefs and marine ecosystems.

International response and support

Neighbouring countries, including Japan, Australia, and Indonesia, have expressed solidarity and offered technical assistance for post-earthquake monitoring. The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) also released a statement commending the Philippines for its swift evacuation measures.

Tsunami alert remains in effect

As of the latest update, Phivolcs confirmed that the tsunami warning remains in effect for several coastal provinces, urging residents not to return home until further notice. Authorities continue to monitor tide gauges and satellite data to determine whether any further threat persists.

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