What should I do during a tsunami warning?

During a tsunami warning, move to higher ground immediately and stay away from coastal areas. Follow evacuation orders from local authorities and listen to official updates.

How does a magnitude 7.5 earthquake affect buildings?

A magnitude 7.5 earthquake can cause severe damage to buildings and infrastructure, especially if they are not designed to withstand such strong quakes. Structural integrity may fail, leading to potential collapses.

What are the common signs of aftershocks?

Aftershocks often feel like smaller earthquakes following the main quake, and they can vary in intensity. Common signs include shaking or vibrations that can last for several seconds.

National News

Magnitude 7.5 Earthquake Off Davao Oriental Triggers Tsunami Warning; Aftershocks Recorded

October 10, 2025156 views0

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — October 10, 2025, 9:43 AM
A magnitude 7.5 tectonic earthquake struck offshore Davao Oriental Friday morning, prompting the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) to issue a Tsunami Warning for several provinces in Mindanao and the Visayas. The powerful quake also generated several aftershocks across affected regions.

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Epicenter and Depth

PHIVOLCS reported that the earthquake’s epicenter was located at 07.25°N, 126.93°E, approximately 44 kilometers north-east of Manay, Davao Oriental, with a depth of 20 kilometers. The quake was tectonic in origin, indicating movement along an active fault line beneath the sea.

A related Tsunami Information No. 1 bulletin identified a similar event at 07.07°N, 127.06°E, around 10 kilometers deep, registering a magnitude of 7.5—sufficient to trigger tsunami activity in nearby coastal areas.

Tsunami Warning Issued

PHIVOLCS warned that a destructive tsunami could occur, with life-threatening wave heights exceeding one meter above normal tides. The first waves were expected to reach coastal areas between 9:43 a.m. and 11:43 a.m., and may continue for several hours.

Communities in the following provinces were strongly advised to evacuate to higher ground or move farther inland:

Eastern Samar
Southern Leyte
Leyte
Dinagat Islands
Surigao del Norte
Surigao del Sur
Davao Oriental

Fisherfolk and boat owners were also advised to move vessels to deeper waters and stay offshore until authorities declare it safe to return.

Reported Intensities

The following areas reported felt intensities from the mainshock:

Intensity V – City of Davao; City of Bislig, Surigao del Sur
Intensity IV – City of Cebu; City of Digos, Davao del Sur; City of General Santos; various locations across Leyte, Southern Leyte, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro, Cotabato, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, Agusan del Norte, and Surigao del Norte

Instrumental intensity data confirmed strong to very strong ground shaking across large portions of Mindanao, with moderate to light shaking extending as far as the Visayas.

Aftershocks and Safety Advisory

Authorities have reported multiple aftershocks following the main event. PHIVOLCS warned that additional tremors are expected in the coming hours and days. Local governments in affected areas have activated disaster response units and are monitoring possible damage to infrastructure, bridges, and coastal facilities.

Residents are urged to:

Stay away from the coastline until the tsunami warning is lifted,
Prepare emergency kits,
Follow official advisories from PHIVOLCS, NDRRMC, and local authorities, and
Remain vigilant for updates on possible aftershocks.