A POWERFUL undersea earthquake measuring 7.4 in magnitude struck the southern Philippine island of Mindanao early Friday, prompting tsunami warnings across coastal regions of the Philippines and neighbouring Indonesia.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the quake occurred at a shallow depth of approximately 10 kilometres, with its epicentre located 62 kilometres off the coast of Manay, Davao Oriental.
Strong tremors were felt in several parts of the central and southern Philippines, including Eastern Samar, Leyte, Surigao and Davao Oriental.
Phivolcs issued a warning that tsunami waves exceeding one metre above normal tide levels could strike coastal areas within two hours of the quake. Residents in seven coastal provinces were ordered to evacuate immediately to higher ground or move further inland.
The United States Tsunami Warning System also issued a regional alert, warning of potentially hazardous waves within a 300-kilometre radius of the epicentre, including Indonesia’s northern islands such as Sulawesi and the Maluku region.
No official reports of casualties or structural damage have been released at this time. However, multiple aftershocks have since been recorded, including two significant tremors measuring 5.9 and 6.0 in magnitude within 30 minutes of the initial quake.
Emergency response teams have been mobilised in both the Philippines and Indonesia, with authorities maintaining high alert status. Airports and seaports in affected areas have been instructed to brace for possible disruptions.
This earthquake is one of the strongest to strike the region this year, heightening concerns for vulnerable coastal communities exposed to tsunami risk. - October10, 2025
