7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Southern Philippines, Triggering Panic adn Tsunami Alerts
Davao City, Philippines – A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the southern Philippines on Friday, sending tremors across the region and prompting tsunami warnings that were later lifted. The quake, centered near Mindanao, rattled buildings, caused panic, and left residents reeling from the latest in a series of natural disasters to hit the archipelago nation.
Reporters on the ground observed scenes of chaos outside a hospital in Davao City, wiht patients receiving treatment in the carpark and crowds filling the corridors. Edwin Jubahib, governor of Davao Oriental province, described widespread panic, reporting that “some buildings were reported to have been damaged” and characterizing the quake as “very strong.”
Richie Diuyen, a local disaster agency worker in Manay, recounted the intensity of the shaking, stating, “I am still scared and shook. We couldn’t believe how strong the earthquake was.This was the first time I have experienced that.” She also reported that some students fainted and she felt dizzy following the tremors.
The Philippines is situated on the “Ring of Fire,” a zone of intense seismic and volcanic activity, making it particularly vulnerable to earthquakes and tsunamis. Dr. Teresito Bacolcol, director of the Philippine volcanic agency Phivolcs, acknowledged growing “disaster fatigue” among Filipinos following recent typhoons and volcanic activity. He urged residents to “accept our reality” and prioritize preparedness, stating, “Instead of panicking, we have to prepare.”
A important earthquake previously impacted the nation on October 4th in Cebu, displacing approximately 80,000 people. Last month,a super typhoon caused 11 fatalities as it swept through the northern part of the country.
While initial warnings predicted “destructive” and “life threatening” tsunami waves, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii later confirmed the threat had passed. However, aftershocks ranging in magnitude from 2.6 to 4.9 continued to be felt in Mindanao hours after the initial quake,according to Phivolcs.
Minor tsunamis were detected in nearby Indonesia, with the largest wave reaching 17cm in the Talaud Islands of North Sulawesi. Students in the Talaud Islands archipelago were sent home, but authorities reported the situation remained calm, urging residents to “remain calm” and avoid damaged buildings.
