A 7.4-magnitude earthquake in the Philippines struck Davao Oriental on Oct. 10, 2025, followed by a 6.9 aftershock that caused deaths, destruction, and tsunami warnings. Here’s a full report on casualties, response, and safety updates.
7.4-Magnitude Earthquake in the Philippines: Deadly Quake Followed by Powerful Aftershock
The 7.4-magnitude earthquake in the Philippines that hit Davao Oriental Province on October 10, 2025, left at least two people dead and dozens injured. The quake, one of the strongest in recent years, was followed by a 6.9-magnitude aftershock that shook the southern island of Mindanao, prompting new tsunami warnings and mass evacuations.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured citizens that the government was mobilizing search-and-rescue teams and disaster response units to assess the destruction.
“We are working round the clock to ensure that help reaches everyone who needs it,” Marcos said in a televised address.
The earthquake in the Philippines 2025 has again highlighted the nation’s vulnerability to seismic activity, as it sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where major tectonic plates frequently collide.
Epicenter and Seismic Details
The Davao Oriental earthquake struck offshore at approximately 9:45 a.m. local time on October 10, 2025. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS) and Phivolcs (Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology), the epicenter was located near Mati City, with tremors felt as far away as Davao City, Surigao del Sur, and Cebu.
| Earthquake Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | October 10, 2025 |
| Time (local) | 9:45 a.m. |
| Magnitude | 7.4 |
| Depth | 25 kilometers |
| Epicenter | Offshore Davao Oriental |
| Aftershock | 6.9 magnitude (USGS: 6.7) |
| Tsunami Warning | Issued then lifted after 2 hours |
| Casualties | 2 confirmed dead, dozens injured |
The Philippines earthquake 2025 was followed by a series of strong aftershocks, the largest striking around 7:12 p.m., forcing authorities to renew tsunami warnings for coastal provinces.
Impact on Local Communities
The 7.4-magnitude earthquake in the Philippines caused widespread panic and damage across Mindanao. In Mati City, two deaths were confirmed by civil defense official Karlo Puerto, while dozens sustained injuries from falling debris and collapsed structures.
Reports from Manay Municipality described damaged bridges, buildings, and homes, with several areas losing power and communication lines.
| Affected Area | Damage Report |
|---|---|
| Mati City (Davao Oriental) | 2 fatalities, major building damage |
| Manay, Davao Oriental | Collapsed bridges and residential structures |
| Davao City | Airport evacuation, minor building cracks |
| Surigao del Sur & Surigao del Norte | Evacuations ordered, tsunami watch |
| Butuan City | Mall wall collapse, cars damaged in parking lot |
Images shared online showed a gaping hole in a shopping mall wall in Butuan City, and videos from Davao City revealed overturned furniture, broken glass, and hundreds of residents gathered outside for safety.
Government and Emergency Response
In a public statement, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called for unity and calm amid the crisis, emphasizing the government’s readiness to respond.
“Let us continue to look out for one another and pray for the safety of all our countrymen,” he said.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) deployed emergency response teams to the affected provinces, while the Philippine Coast Guard monitored coastal waters for potential tsunami surges.
Phivolcs reminded residents to remain vigilant as aftershocks could continue for several days. Shelters were opened for evacuees in Davao Oriental and Surigao del Norte.
Tsunami Warnings and Evacuations
Immediately after the Philippines earthquake 2025, authorities issued tsunami warnings for Davao Oriental, Surigao del Sur, and Surigao del Norte. Coastal residents were urged to move inland or to higher ground.
| Province | Evacuation Order Status | Tsunami Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Davao Oriental | Mandatory evacuation | High |
| Surigao del Sur | Recommended evacuation | Moderate |
| Surigao del Norte | Recommended evacuation | Moderate |
| Cebu | Advisory only | Low |
Thankfully, the tsunami warnings were later lifted after monitoring showed no significant wave generation.
Eyewitness Accounts: “The Strongest Earthquake I Ever Felt”
Local residents described the 7.4-magnitude earthquake in the Philippines as terrifying. Richie Diuyen, a disaster official in Manay, told Reuters:
“It lasted 30 or 40 seconds. It was the strongest earthquake I ever felt.”
Other survivors said they saw walls cracking, ceilings collapsing, and power lines falling. Many spent the night outside, afraid of further aftershocks.
Historical Context: Earthquakes in the Philippines
The Philippines experiences more than 800 earthquakes annually, though most are minor. The Philippines earthquake 2025 follows a 6.9-magnitude quake on Sept. 30, 2025, which killed 74 people on the central island of Cebu and destroyed a centuries-old church bell tower.
| Recent Major Earthquakes in the Philippines | Magnitude | Deaths | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct. 10, 2025 | 7.4 | 2 | Davao Oriental |
| Sept. 30, 2025 | 6.9 | 74 | Cebu |
| Dec. 2023 | 6.7 | 11 | Mindanao |
| July 2021 | 7.1 | 15 | Luzon |
Experts from the US Geological Survey noted that the Davao Oriental fault system is among the most active in the region, capable of generating major earthquakes exceeding magnitude 7.0.
Scientific Insight: Why the 7.4 Quake Was So Powerful
The 7.4-magnitude earthquake in the Philippines was caused by a reverse fault movement, where tectonic plates compress and thrust upward. This movement releases intense seismic energy, resulting in strong shaking.
| Magnitude Range | Category | Potential Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Below 2.5 | Micro | Not felt |
| 2.5 – 5.4 | Minor | Light damage |
| 5.5 – 6.0 | Moderate | Cracks in walls |
| 6.1 – 6.9 | Strong | Structural damage |
| 7.0 – 7.9 | Major | Widespread damage |
| 8.0+ | Great | Devastating destruction |
This 7.4 event falls within the major earthquake category, explaining the extensive damage and region-wide tremors reported.
Global Reaction and Support
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and Red Cross Philippines expressed readiness to provide assistance. Neighboring countries like Japan and Indonesia offered technical and relief support for disaster response.
Social media was flooded with prayers, solidarity messages, and offers of help from around the world.
Ongoing Risks and Safety Warnings
As aftershocks continue, Phivolcs warned that residents should expect more tremors in the coming days. The Mindanao earthquake 2025 has already weakened several structures, raising the risk of collapses during future shocks.
Authorities advised:
- Stay away from damaged buildings.
- Avoid coastal areas until official clearance.
- Keep emergency kits and portable radios ready.
- Follow updates from Phivolcs and OCD.
Conclusion: Resilience Amid Disaster
The 7.4-magnitude earthquake in the Philippines is a tragic reminder of the nation’s seismic vulnerability but also of the Filipino spirit of resilience. Despite fear, destruction, and loss, communities in Davao Oriental, Surigao del Sur, and Mindanao came together to protect one another.
With ongoing rescue operations, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s government aims to restore stability and rebuild infrastructure quickly. The world watches in solidarity as the Philippines once again stands strong in the face of natural disaster.
FAQs
1. Where did the 7.4-magnitude earthquake in the Philippines occur?
It struck offshore near Davao Oriental Province, on the southern island of Mindanao.
2. How many people died in the earthquake?
At least two people were confirmed dead in Mati City, with several others injured.
3. Was there a tsunami warning after the quake?
Yes, tsunami warnings were issued for Davao Oriental, Surigao del Sur, and Surigao del Norte, later lifted after monitoring showed no major waves.
4. What caused the 7.4-magnitude earthquake?
It resulted from tectonic compression along a reverse fault system near Davao Oriental.
5. How does this compare to the Cebu earthquake on Sept. 30, 2025?
The Cebu quake was 6.9 magnitude and more deadly (74 deaths), while the Davao Oriental quake was stronger but offshore, reducing impact on populated areas.