Powerful 7.5-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Philippines, Tsunami Warning Issued
October 10, 2025
A powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of the Philippines early Friday morning, prompting tsunami warnings across multiple countries, including Indonesia and Palau, and triggering widespread panic among coastal residents.
Tsunami Warning Issued After Strong Quake
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the offshore quake occurred near Manay town in Davao Oriental, part of the Mindanao region. The agency initially reported the tremor as magnitude 7.6 but later revised it to 7.5, with a depth of 20 km (12 miles).
Authorities warned of aftershocks and possible structural damage, urging residents in coastal areas to move to higher ground immediately. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) also reported that waves between 1 and 3 meters above tide level could hit parts of the Philippines.
Evacuations and Emergency Response Underway
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the government was on high alert and that search and rescue teams were being mobilized as soon as conditions were safe.
“We are working round the clock to ensure that help reaches everyone who needs it,” Marcos said in an official statement.
Local officials in Davao Oriental reported that residents ran outdoors in panic as buildings swayed violently. Governor Edwin Jubahib confirmed that there were reports of structural damage in some areas.
“It was very strong,” he told Philippine broadcaster DZMM.
Tsunami Threat Extends Beyond the Philippines
The U.S. Tsunami Warning System cautioned that hazardous waves could impact coasts within 300 kilometers (186 miles) of the quake’s epicenter.
Neighboring countries Indonesia and Palau also issued tsunami alerts, with authorities in Sulawesi and Papua warning residents to stay away from coastal zones. The PTWC stated that waves of up to one meter could reach parts of these regions.
Context: A Region Prone to Quakes
This massive tremor comes just two weeks after the Philippines’ deadliest earthquake in over a decade, which struck the island of Cebu and claimed 72 lives. That quake had a magnitude of 6.9.
The Philippines lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, a seismically active zone where most of the world’s earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. On average, the country records over 800 tremors annually.
International Monitoring and Updates
The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) recorded the quake at magnitude 7.4 with a depth of 58 km (36 miles). Authorities continue to monitor sea levels and coastal conditions closely.
Residents are advised to stay tuned to official updates from Phivolcs and local disaster agencies, avoid coastal areas, and remain alert for aftershocks.
