EARTHQUAKE: Magnitude of 7.6 - 7.4 which shook Mindanao
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| Series of recorded earthquakes from the eastern part of Manay, Davao Oriental. Source: HazardHunterPh - Screenphoto around 8:30pm | October 15, 2025 |
A powerful undersea earthquake struck off the coast of Davao Oriental in the southern Philippines on Friday morning, prompting urgent tsunami warnings and mass evacuations across several coastal provinces.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported that the earthquake, which initially registered a magnitude of 7.6, was later downgraded to magnitude 7.4. The tremor was recorded at 9:43 a.m. on October 10, 2025 and occurred approximately 62 kilometers southeast of the town of Manay, Davao Oriental, at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers.
Series of aftershocks earthquakes are still felt across Mindanao, the largest so far was the M6.9 with an epicenter from the same east coast of Man-ay, Davao Oriental. It was later considered as a doublet earthquake-- occurs "when two or more main shocks of similar magnitudes happen close to each other in both time and location. They are distinct or separate earthquakes in nearly the same area, triggered by stress from faults or trenches that set off a sequence of seismic events.”
According to Phivolcs, the M7.6 earthquake was caused by tectonic movement along the Philippine Trench rather than a local fault line. The seismic event sent strong tremors across parts of Mindanao, lasting at least 30 seconds. Residents in affected areas fled buildings and gathered in open spaces as the ground shook.
In its first tsunami advisory issued shortly after the quake, Phivolcs warned that a destructive tsunami was expected, with life-threatening wave heights of more than one meter above normal tides. Wave heights may be significantly higher in enclosed bays and straits. Based on local modeling, tsunami waves were forecast to arrive between 9:43 a.m. and 11:43 a.m. and could persist for several hours.
The municipality of Manay in Davao Oriental has been immediately placed under a state of calamity after initial impact of the tremor was assessed. It also officially suspended tourism in it's municipal shores for public safety.
Authorities strongly advised residents in coastal areas of several provinces to evacuate immediately to higher ground or move farther inland. The provinces under urgent advisory include Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte, Leyte, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Davao Oriental.
Owners of boats in harbors, estuaries or shallow coastal water of the above-mentioned provinces were told to secure their boats and move away from the waterfront. Boats already at sea during this period should stay offshore in deep waters until further advised.
Cebu, La Union, Davao Oriental quakes didn't share the same fault. Phivolcs said they are aren't connected.
PhiVocs cancelled the tsunami warning by 1:43 pm on Oct. 10. It was raised again following the 6.9 magnitude quake, in similar epicenter around 7:25pm.
Emergency services and local governments have mobilized response teams and are coordinating evacuation and safety efforts in anticipation of possible tsunami impacts.
The Philippines, situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, experiences frequent seismic activity due to the movement of tectonic plates.
The offshore quake near Man‑ay, Davao Oriental, represents a significant seismic event with potential for serious damage, especially in coastal and near‑coast communities. Early reports confirm fatalities, structural damage, utility outages, and mass evacuations. However, the full extent of damage is still emerging, and many impacts remain unverified.
While the tsunami threat appears to have been mitigated or lower than worst-case models, the shaking itself likely caused the bulk of harm in buildings, infrastructure, and utilities. The region’s preparedness, interagency coordination, and capacity for rapid response will shape how effectively communities recover in the coming days.
Going forward, key priorities include: detailed structural inspections of schools, hospitals, bridges and other critical infrastructure; aftershock monitoring and public warnings; restoration of power and utilities; humanitarian support for affected residents; and long-term planning to reinforce buildings and enhance resilience in this seismically active area.
When private property losses, business disruptions, agricultural and fisheries impacts, and the costs of rehabilitation and mitigation are taken into account, the total economic toll from the earthquake could significantly exceed initial estimates—potentially reaching ₱3 to ₱5 billion or more, especially if damage is widespread and compounded by post-quake hazards. These projections are highly dependent on several factors, including the geographic extent of the damage across municipalities, the structural vulnerability of buildings (influenced by age, construction quality, and adherence to building codes), and the occurrence of secondary hazards such as landslides, liquefaction, aftershocks, or coastal erosion. The speed and efficiency of recovery efforts, which may be affected by cost inflation and supply constraints, also play a critical role, as does the presence of undetected or latent structural weaknesses that could worsen over time.
The full extent of the earthquake’s damage will become clear in the coming weeks, as detailed assessments, structural inspections, and evaluations of aftershock effects and coastal vulnerabilities—such as tsunami impact or erosion—are completed. In the meantime, authorities should prioritize comprehensive structural inspections of schools, hospitals, bridges, roads, dams, and other critical public infrastructure. Immediate deployment of resources is essential to stabilize or secure damaged structures and prevent further harm. Equally important is providing support to displaced families through temporary housing, livelihood assistance, and psychosocial services. In the longer term, strengthening building codes and ensuring their enforcement in earthquake-prone areas, along with improving the resilience of essential systems like power, transport, and water, will be key to reducing future risks.
SERIES OF AFTERSHOCKS
When a region composed primarily of rock experiences a series of tectonic earthquakes ranging in magnitude from 4.0 to 7.6, several geological consequences become highly probable based on established seismic and geological principles. One of the most immediate and likely effects is the fracturing and deformation of the rock, especially near active fault zones. Large earthquakes, such as those around magnitude 7.6, often result in surface ruptures, where the fault breaks through the Earth's surface, creating visible cracks, scarps, and displacement features. Even smaller but frequent earthquakes in the 4.0 to 6.0 range can gradually weaken the rock mass, forming secondary fractures and increasing the likelihood of slope failures or rockfalls, especially in areas with steep terrain.
Therefore, continued earthquakes in a certain region can cause surface rupture, rock fracturing, landslides/rockfalls, fault reactivation (tectonic stress), future large quakes, infrastructure damage, and groundwater change if fractures intersect with aquifers.
The presence of such a high-magnitude event also indicates the activity of a major tectonic fault system. This increases the probability of continued seismic activity due to stress redistribution and fault reactivation. Ongoing earthquakes suggest that the region is under tectonic stress, and additional large-magnitude events remain a real possibility, particularly if unruptured segments of nearby faults exist. Over time, repeated seismic shaking can alter the topography of the area, leading to uplift, subsidence, or lateral displacement, depending on the nature of the fault movement involved—whether thrust, normal, or strike-slip.
As the rock continues to experience ground motion, its internal stability decreases. Even though rock is inherently strong, repeated seismic loading can loosen joints and fractures, reduce shear strength, and create new potential failure surfaces. This makes the area more prone to landslides, rock avalanches, and structural collapses in both natural and human-modified landscapes. These effects are particularly concerning in regions with infrastructure built on or near fractured rock or steep slopes.
The amplification of ground motion in weathered or fractured rock also increases the risk of localized damage, even during moderate earthquakes. Moreover, tectonic fracturing can disrupt subsurface water flow, altering groundwater patterns, rerouting aquifers, or affecting water quality due to newly exposed minerals or contaminants. Springs may shift location or dry up entirely in response to these changes.
In terms of broader hazard implications, a region that has already experienced a magnitude 7.6 event, alongside numerous smaller ones, would be classified as a high-risk seismic zone under probabilistic seismic hazard assessment models. The likelihood of future damaging events remains elevated, particularly if aftershocks continue or nearby faults are activated. Thus, the geological evolution of such a region will be significantly influenced by ongoing tectonic processes, and careful monitoring, hazard mapping, and land-use planning are essential to mitigate the risks associated with continued seismic activity.
INITIAL OUTLOOK
Initial reports from NDRRMC confirmed an increase of fatalities into eight (8 ) individuals and 176 persons were injured. A total of 276,237 families or 1,205,973 persons were affected. In terms of infrastructure damage, 16,244 houses were reported damaged across Region XI and CARAGA and another 111 damaged infrastructures.
As of October 17, 2025, NDRRMC reported total of 276,237 families or 1,205,973 persons were affected.
On October 14, the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental cited that a total of 176,906 families were affected by the recent doublet earthquake in the province with 752 totally damaged houses and 10,629 partially damaged houses. The report, published in Sunstar-Davao indicated that the data are sourced from the towns of Boston, Cateel, Baganga, Caraga, Manya, Tarragona, City of Mati, San Isidro, Lupon, Banaybanay, and Governor Generoso.
In addition, NDRRMC cited that the earthquake caused damage to seven road sections and three bridges, disrupting transportation and accessibility in several areas. Furthermore, seven seaports have been declared non-operational, affecting the movement of goods and critical relief efforts by sea.
Reports indicate structural failures in homes and public buildings, prompting evacuations, incuding coastal neighboring regions of Davao Oriental due to tsunami advisory.
Of the fatalities 2 were from Mati City, Davao Oriental.
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) in Davao city also confirmed this afternoon that one person has died-- an 80-year-old man who was buried under a collapsed wall in Purok 3, Soliman, Barangay Tomas Monteverde,. The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) immediately provided assistance to the victim’s family.
CDRRMO-Central 911 also reported 347 individuals who experienced dizziness, fainting, or minor injuries. All received prompt medical attention and are currently in stable condition.
Tragically, the earthquake also triggered a deadly landslide in Barangay Gumayan, Pantukan, Davao de Oro, where three miners were confirmed killed according to local authorities. Rescue teams recovered the victims' bodies as the community grapples with the quake’s immediate and devastating effects.
Davao de Oro Governor Raul Mabanglo has suspended all mining operations in the province due to the quake and ongoing aftershocks.
Manay reported that there are 548 schools damaged with an estimated value of P2.2 million. Thus, affected 947 schools with 89,691 lerners and 8,24 teachers and staff.
It has 186 persons injured. 124 destroyed WASH facilities, 2,921 learning materials, and 560 IT equipments
There are 717 CLs declared as totally damaged,
CLs with minor damages reached 2,826 and about 528 have incurred major damages.
https://web.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1313753130787097&set=a.225352872960467
In a separate incident, a child reportedly died after falling from a bed during the magnitude 7.6 quake in Pantukan, Davao de Oro albeit the medication availed by parents.
A hospital in the province evacuated roughly 250 patients due to structural damage. In Governor Generoso town, a high school sustained visible cracks and structural stress. Power outages, cracked walls, and building damage were also reported in Davao City and nearby areas. Several students fainted or were hospitalized due to shock in areas closer to the epicenter.
A two-storey residential house in Davao city caved in and collapsed.
In Mati City, a woman was injured when part of a wall at the Davao Oriental Electric Cooperative (DORECO) building collapsed during the quake; her condition is still being assessed.
At Davao Doctors Hospital, patients were evacuated too for their safety.
Patients at the Davao Oriental Provincial Hospital were also re-evacuated again as a precaution following twin earthquakes. The Philippine Red Cross deployed EMS teams and stands ready to transfer patients if needed, with additional ambulance units on standby.
All levels of classes in Davao City were suspended as City Information Officer Harvey Lanticse announced the suspension to allow inspections of public buildings, including City Hall. Employees were sent home as precautionary measures.
Despite the tremors, the local airport remained operational with no flight cancellations.
The quake affected three transmission lines in the Mindanao grid—Davao-Toril 69 kV, Nabunturan-Asuncion 69 kV, and Nabunturan-Masara 138 kV—causing outages across four major utilities: DORECO, Davao Light, Cotabato Light, and CEPALCO. Several power plants automatically shut down but were partially restored later in the day.
Landslide of soil and large rocks were also documented on the road in Tarragona, Davao Oriental and other interior roads.
Meanwhile, the Mall in Bajada, Davao City, suffered structural damage, including visible cracks near its entrance. Authorities cordoned off the affected areas to prevent public access as employees awaited clearance to re-enter.
Structural inspections are ongoing across schools, hospitals, and government buildings. Some facilities may be declared unsafe pending further evaluation. Classes and government work were suspended in multiple areas to allow for emergency assessments.
A classroom at Tapia Elementary School in Montevista, Davao de Oro was destroyed.
Bishop Abel Apigo of Mati have also visited churches affected by the 7.6-magnitude earthquake in Davao Oriental province.
While a full economic estimate is pending, authorities anticipate substantial costs tied to infrastructure damage, emergency response, and disruption of services.
At least seventy-four students at Lagao National High School, one of the largest high schools in General Santos City located on Aparente Street in Barangay San Isidro, were shaken by fear during the intensity 4 earthquake that struck Gensan. The affected students were quickly brought to the Rural Health Unit (RHU) in the nearby barangay for medical attention.
In Butuan City, the unfinished Magsaysay Bridge sustained major cracks and was temporarily closed to all motorists for safety. Motorists in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, reported feeling the quake’s shaking while crossing a bridge, underscoring the widespread impact of the tremor.
At 9:43 a.m., people across parts of Mindanao rushed out of buildings and gathered in the streets as the strong quake lasted at least 30 seconds. In Davao City, patients of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) were evacuated to the hospital grounds as authorities conducted structural assessments to ensure the safety of the buildings before allowing them back inside.
The quake triggered a chemical spill incident on the sixth floor of San Pedro College in Davao City, prompting a response from the Bureau of Fire Protection’s Special Rescue Force.
The Tagum Doctors Hospital in Tagum City also suffered damage from the quake.
Thousands of students at Davao City National High School evacuated to the school oval, while in Kabankalan City, students from Kabankalan Catholic College were quickly moved to designated open areas following tremors felt at 9:48 a.m.
The Department of Health (DOH) promptly activated the Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Team (DOH-PEMAT) for deployment to Davao Oriental. Three teams—DOH-PEMAT 44 from Eastern Visayas Medical Center, DOH-PEMAT 45 from Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium, and DOH-PEMAT 46 from Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital—are on standby. These teams can operate outpatient services or set up temporary hospital tents during emergencies. DOH-PEMAT was previously deployed to aid Turkey and Myanmar after recent major earthquakes.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office XI swiftly activated its Mobile Command Center (MCC) following the quake. Led by Regional Director Rhuelo Dalilis Aradanas, the office is conducting rapid assessments and coordinating closely with local government units and disaster risk reduction and management offices to evaluate damage and provide immediate assistance to affected families. The Disaster Response Management Division (DRMD) has been placed on full alert, with prepositioned food and non-food items ready for distribution.
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| The 7.6 magnitude earthquake which affected Mindanao. Its epicenter is in the eastern part of Man-ay, Davao Oriental. The quake claimed 8 fatalities and damages to properties. |
COMPARATIVE IMPACT
In comparison to wealthier, more developed countries, earthquakes of similar magnitude tend to result in far greater financial losses. For example, a magnitude 7.5 earthquake in Ishikawa, Japan, was projected to cause between $7.4 billion and $17.6 billion in damage. However, while the Philippines’ lower infrastructure costs and population density suggest a lower absolute financial toll, the impact remains significant relative to national and local government budgets. Repeated seismic events—such as the recent quake in Cebu—compound the strain on local economies, infrastructure, and disaster response systems. In many rural and coastal areas, where communities already operate on limited resources, even moderate structural damage can impose a substantial financial burden, requiring costly repairs, relocation efforts, or retrofitting of weakened buildings.
Based on early reports and comparisons with similar past events, the magnitude 7.6 earthquake off the coast of Davao Oriental is expected to have wide-ranging impacts across several sectors. In terms of lives and health, at least 8 deaths have been confirmed by NDRRMC, while approximately 250 hospital patients were evacuated as a precaution. Additional casualties or injuries may yet emerge, particularly in remote areas, and aftershocks pose ongoing risks to already weakened structures. Damage to schools and other public buildings has been reported, including structural cracks and stress. A thorough inspection may reveal more widespread damage, potentially leading to costly repairs or reconstruction. In the transport sector, the Magsaysay Bridge in Butuan City sustained significant cracks and was closed to motorists, with similar risks likely affecting rural roads and bridges, especially in landslide-prone or coastal areas.
The earthquake also disrupted power infrastructure, with several transmission lines tripping and causing blackouts in various regions. Restoring full service may require extensive repair or reinforcement of power lines and substations. Tsunami warnings led to evacuations along the coast, though only minor sea level changes were observed. Still, coastal infrastructure such as ports, docks, and fishery facilities may have suffered damage, and localized inundation remains a concern in narrow bays. Socially and economically, the quake has caused the suspension of classes, government work, and transportation, triggering widespread disruption. Beyond the immediate physical damage, there are likely to be longer-term impacts including business losses, displacement costs, emergency response burdens, and psychological stress within affected communities.
The Department of Education (DepEd) is closely monitoring the aftermath of the earthquake. Classes and work in affected areas have been suspended by local authorities.
DepEd has activated its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management teams and Rapid Assessment of Damages Report (RADaR) system to assess the condition of schools and facilities. It is coordinating with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and other agencies for immediate response and rehabilitation.
The Department is also working with the Regional DRRM Operations Network led by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) to ensure timely updates and effective action. DepEd emphasizes the safety of learners, teachers, and staff, and urges the public to remain alert and follow official advisories.
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UPDATED 10/10/2025 10:03pm | 2nd
UPDATED 10/11/2025 12:48 pm | 3rd
UPDATED 10/11/2025 1:5 pm | 4rth
UPDATED 10/12/2025 9:23am | 5th
UPDATED 10/18/2025 5:38 am | 6th
