Powerful 7.6 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Philippines, Tsunami Alert Issued

Manila: A strong 7.6 magnitude earthquake rocked the Philippines on Friday, triggering tsunami warnings and evacuation advisories for coastal areas. The quake struck offshore near Manay town in Davao Oriental, Mindanao, at a depth of 10 km, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported, cautioning residents about possible aftershocks and structural damage.

Although no immediate casualties were reported, authorities urged people living in coastal regions of the central and southern Philippines to move to higher ground or further inland as a precaution. Some buildings sustained damage, with Davao Oriental Governor Edwin Jubahib describing the quake as “very strong.”

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii warned that dangerous waves could occur within 186 miles of the epicentre, with the potential for 3-meter-high waves along parts of the Philippine coastline. Smaller waves were expected in Indonesia and Palau, prompting precautionary measures. Indonesian authorities issued warnings for northern Sulawesi and Papua, anticipating waves up to 50 cm.

Videos circulating on social media captured scenes of panic as people rushed to safety. Footage from local businesses, including fish rearing facilities, showed water in tanks and containers shaking violently, underscoring the quake’s intensity.

The recent tremor comes just two weeks after a 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck Cebu, killing 72 people and marking the deadliest quake in the country in over a decade. The back-to-back seismic events highlight the Philippines’ vulnerability to powerful earthquakes and tsunamis.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and advise residents to remain alert, follow safety instructions, and stay prepared for potential aftershocks and tsunami threats.