MAGNITUDE 7.4, 6.8 QUAKES RATTLE DAVAO ORIENTAL

TWO powerful earthquakes on Friday rattled Davao Oriental.

The first strong quake at magnitude 7.4  struck 44 kilometers northeast of Manay town at 9:43 a.m.. Friday.

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the quake, which was tectonic in origin, had a depth of 20 kilometers.

The second tremor, with magnitude 6.8, hit off the coast of Manay, Davao Oriental at 7:12 p.m. of the same day.

The latest strong earthquake was also tectonic in origin and had a depth of 37 kilometers.

Tsunami alerts were raised following the “back-to-back” earthquakes.

According to Phivolcs, the 7.4 and 6.8 tremors that struck off Davao Oriental may possibly be considered a “doublet earthquake.”

Phivolcs said a “doublet earthquake” refers to distinct or different earthquakes that occurred in almost the same area “with two or more main shocks that have slight difference in magnitude.”

“This happens when faults or trenches are causing the stress to trigger a sequence of events,”  the Agency explained.

Initial reports said that at least seven people were killed and scores injured during the 7.4 magnitude quake that also caused massive devastation to properties in the affected areas.

During the morning quake, intensity 5 was felt in Davao City, and intensity 4 in Bislig, Surigao del Sur.

Phivolcs also recorded the following instrumental intensities: Intensity 5 in Hinunangan, Southern Leyte; City of Gingoog, Misamis Oriental; Nabunturan, Davao de Oro; City of Davao; Santa Maria, Davao Occidental; City of Kidapawan, Cotabato; Alabel, and Malungon, Sarangani; City of Koronadal, and Tupi, South Cotabato.

Intensity 4 in the City of Cebu; Sulat, Eastern Samar; Abuyog, Alangalang, Dulag, and Hilongos, Leyte; Hinundayan, Silago, and Sogod, Southern Leyte; Kalilangan, City of Malaybalay, and San Fernando, Bukidnon; City of Cagayan De Oro, Cagayan de Oro City City of Digos, Magsaysay, and Matanao, Davao del Sur; M’lang, and Magpet, Cotabato; Glan, Kiamba, Maitum, and Malapatan, Sarangani; Banga, Polomolok, and Tampakan, South Cotabato; City of General Santos; Columbio, and Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat; City of Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte; City of Surigao, Surigao del Norte; City of Bislig, Surigao del Sur.

People in the coastal areas were strongly advised to immediately evacuate to higher grounds.

Meanwhile, following the magnitude 6.8 earthquake, Phivolcs said a destructive tsunami is expected with life threatening wave heights.

“Based on the local tsunami scenario database, it is expected to experience wave heights of more than one meter above the normal tides and may be higher on enclosed bays and straits,” it said.

People in the coastal areas of Surigao Del Sur, Davao Oriental, Surigao Del Norte were “strongly advised” to immediately evacuate to higher grounds or move farther inland.

PRC SWIFTLY RESPONDED

Philippine Red Cross (PRC) volunteers responded immediately after a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Davao Oriental.

Upon feeling the strong tremors, PRC and Red Cross Youth volunteers, including students in the middle of class, immediately moved to help evacuate people and provide first aid to those who fainted or were seized by the intense fear caused by the earthquake.

The PRC Davao Oriental Chapter continues to coordinate with local authorities to determine the extent of the damage and where additional assistance is needed. 

PRESIDENT MARCOS ORDERS IMMEDIATE MOBILIZATION OF CONCERNED GOV’T AGENCIES

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the immediate mobilization of all concerned government agencies in response to the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck off the coast of Davao Oriental at 9:43 a.m. on Friday.

In a statement posted on his Facebook page, President Marcos said he has directed all relevant government agencies to initiate prompt evacuations in all coastal areas at risk following the issuance of a tsunami warning the Phiivolcs for several coastal provinces in Mindanao and the Visayas, including Davao Oriental, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Southern Leyte, and Eastern Samar.

“We are now assessing the situation on the ground and ensuring that everyone is safe. I have directed the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the Office of Civil Defense, the Armed Forces, the Philippine Coast Guard, and all concerned agencies to immediately carry out evacuations in coastal areas, activate emergency communication lines, and coordinate closely with local governments,” the President said.

“Search, rescue, and relief operations are already being prepared and will be deployed as soon as it is safe to do so,” President Marcos added.

The Chief Executive also tasked the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) with pre-positioning of food and non-food items in strategic locations to support displaced communities.

Additionally, the Department of Health (DOH) is on standby to provide emergency medical assistance as needed.

President Marcos emphasized that public safety is the government’s top priority, urging residents in affected areas to remain vigilant and calm.

“Move to higher ground and stay away from the shore until authorities declare it safe. Follow all instructions from your local disaster councils and barangay officials. Your safety is our top priority,” the President said.

President Marcos assured the public that government agencies are constantly working to ensure aid and support reach all those in need.

“We are working round the clock to ensure that help reaches everyone who needs it. Let us continue to look out for one another and pray for the safety of all our countrymen,” the President said