Davao Oriental Shaken by Magnitude 7.5 Earthquake
Residents of Mindanao were jolted early Friday morning, October 10, 2025, after a powerful magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck off the coast of Manay, Davao Oriental at 9:43 a.m., according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS-DOST). The quake, originally recorded as magnitude 7.6, was later downgraded to 7.5 with a depth of 20 kilometers.
The tremor was strongly felt across several regions in Mindanao and parts of the Visayas. PHIVOLCS reported Intensity V in Davao City, where residents rushed out of homes and buildings as the ground shook for several seconds. The same intensity was felt in Hinunangan (Southern Leyte), Gingoog City (Misamis Oriental), Nabunturan (Davao de Oro), and Koronadal (South Cotabato). Intensity IV was recorded in Cebu City, Cagayan de Oro, Digos, General Santos, and Surigao City, among others.
Following the quake, PHIVOLCS issued a tsunami advisory for residents in Eastern Samar, Dinagat Islands, Davao Oriental, Southern Leyte, Surigao del Norte, Leyte, and Surigao del Sur, especially those living near coastal areas. Authorities urged the public to move to higher ground and stay alert for possible sea level changes. PHIVOLCS forecasted that tsunami waves could occur between 9:43 a.m. and 11:43 a.m.
As of the latest reports, aftershocks with magnitudes 5.2 and 4.9 have been recorded, further alarming residents still shaken by the initial tremor. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) is closely monitoring the situation, coordinating with local government units for possible damages and casualties.
Several videos shared online showed frightened residents evacuating buildings, while others helped elderly family members and children to safety. For now, PHIVOLCS continues to remind the public to stay calm but cautious, avoid returning immediately to coastal zones, and follow official advisories.