“Seismic Jolt Near Mindanao: 7.4-Magnitude Earthquake Rattles Southern Philippines, Tsunami Alert Raised”

MANILA / DAVAO, Philippines — October 10, 2025 — A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Davao Oriental in southern Mindanao this morning, prompting tsunami alerts for nearby coastal provinces and sparking widespread alarm across the region.

Context and Background

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) initially recorded a magnitude of 7.6 but later revised it to 7.4, placing the hypocenter at a depth of around 20 km beneath the seabed. Reuters+1 The U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) issued alerts indicating possible hazardous waves within a 300-kilometre radius of the epicenter. Reuters+2The Washington Post+2

This quake is believed to have originated along the Philippine Trench, a major tectonic boundary that frequently produces strong seismic activity in the region. Wikipedia+2AP News+2

Earlier in the day, smaller aftershocks of magnitudes above 4.0 were recorded, raising concerns of further tremors. Wikipedia+2Reuters+2

Impact & Emerging Reports

At least two fatalities have been confirmed thus far, according to Karlo Puerto, information officer for the Davao regional civil defence office. He said both deaths occurred in Mati City. Reuters Local authorities in Davao Oriental also report structural damage to homes and public buildings, as well as panic among residents. Reuters+2AP News+2

Governor Edwin Jubahib of Davao Oriental told media:

“Some buildings were reported to have been damaged. It was very strong.” Reuters

In Davao City, schools and some offices were closed temporarily as officials conduct inspections on damaged infrastructure. The Washington Post+1 Evacuation orders were issued for communities in low-lying coastal areas, urging people to move to higher ground until further notice. Reuters+2AP News+2

The tsunami warning was extended not only to provinces within the Philippines but also to parts of Indonesia, Sulawesi, Papua and Palau. Reuters+1 Tide gauges later recorded minor sea level fluctuations, but no large destructive waves confirmed so far. AP News+1

What Is Confirmed & What Remains Unclear

• Confirmed: A major quake (7.4) struck offshore southern Philippines; between two and six deaths reported; evacuations and inspections are underway. Wikipedia+4Reuters+4AP News+4

• Pending / unverified: Full extent of structural damage, eventual casualty toll, and actual tsunami heights across all affected coasts.

• Alert status: The tsunami warning remains in some areas as authorities monitor sea levels and aftershocks. AP News+2Reuters+2

Next Steps & Outlook

Emergency response teams are being mobilised across Mindanao to assess damage, rescue those affected, and restore services. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has assured the public that relief efforts will “proceed when it is safe to do so.” Reuters

PHIVOLCS and the Philippine Coast Guard continue to monitor seismic activity, sea levels, and aftershocks. Authorities are urging coastal residents to stay alert, follow local evacuation orders, and heed advisories from disaster agencies.

As the situation evolves, damage assessments and casualty figures may change. The government plans to issue periodic updates and coordinate with regional agencies for a unified response.