Manila: Seven people have died and 11 were injured following a series of powerful earthquakes that struck Davao Oriental and neighboring regions. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) confirmed the fatalities and injuries resulting from the magnitude 7.4 and 6.8 earthquakes that occurred on October 10.
According to Emirates News Agency, the magnitude 7.4 earthquake hit offshore near Davao Oriental on Friday morning, followed by a magnitude 6.8 quake later in the evening. These tremors have caused significant concern and damage, particularly in the Davao Region.
In the latest situational report, the NDRRMC detailed that all fatalities were reported in the Davao Region, with injuries also recorded, including one in the Caraga area. The quakes affected at least 3,519 families, comprising 8,436 individuals across Davao Region and Caraga. Of these, 2,468 families, or 7,915 individuals, are currently seeking refuge in evacuation centers. Furthermore, 28 houses have been damaged, with five completely destroyed.
The NDRRMC also reported infrastructure damage, noting that five road sections and one bridge in Davao Region, Soccsksargen, and Caraga are currently impassable. The initial magnitude 7.4 quake, centered offshore near Manay in Davao Oriental, prompted a tsunami alert for coastal areas within a 300 km radius. However, the alerts for both the Philippines and Indonesia were later lifted.
The subsequent magnitude 6.8 earthquake triggered another tsunami warning, with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) cautioning about potential waves exceeding one meter above normal tide levels. Residents in coastal areas were advised to evacuate to higher ground or move inland as a precaution.
