Magnitude 7.4 and 6.8 earthquakes strike southern philippines, causing damage and evacuations

Two powerful offshore earthquakes struck the southern Philippines on October 10, leaving at least seven people dead and prompting tsunami alerts along adjacent coastlines. The first quake measured magnitude 7.4 and occurred off Manay, Davao Oriental province; about seven hours later, a 6.8-magnitude tremor hit in the same general area.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) characterized the pair as a doublet earthquake sequence, meaning two distinct seismic events in close spatial and temporal proximity. Both events triggered tsunami warnings for coastal regions within a 300 km radius, though these warnings were later rescinded.

In reaction to the first quake, PHIVOLCS urged coastal communities to evacuate to higher ground or move inland. Structural damage was reported in Manay, Butuan, and surrounding municipalities.

Fatalities were recorded in multiple towns near the quake epicenters. Officials confirmed deaths from falling debris, collapsing walls, and related accidents. Authorities also reported power outages in several areas of Mindanao as utilities were disrupted by shaking and infrastructure damage.

The quakes followed just 10 days after a magnitude 6.9 quake in Cebu, which left dozens dead and widespread destruction. The proximity of these events has raised concerns about regional seismic stress and the stability of local fault systems.

Search and rescue efforts are underway, particularly in mountainous and remote districts where landslides and terrain damage have complicated access. Officials remain on alert for strong aftershocks, and further evacuations may be considered if conditions worsen.