Series of Major Earthquakes Jolts Davao Oriental, Residents Urged to Stay Alert

MANAY, DAVAO ORIENTAL – (October 11, 2025, 8:30 AM) – The Davao Region is reeling this morning after a powerful series of offshore earthquakes struck yesterday, causing significant damage, widespread power outages, and prompting tsunami warnings along the eastern coast of Mindanao. The primary quakes, a magnitude 7.4 followed hours later by a magnitude 6.8, had their epicenters near the municipality of Manay, triggering a massive and ongoing disaster response.

Quick Facts: The October 10, 2025 Davao Oriental Earthquakes

• Date: Friday, October 10, 2025 
• Magnitudes: 7.4 (9:43 AM) and 6.8 (7:12 PM) 
• Epicenter: Offshore, near Manay, Davao Oriental 
• Type: Characterized by PHIVOLCS as a "doublet earthquake." 
• Reported Fatalities: At least nine across the region. 
• Primary Impacts: Significant structural damage, widespread power outages, landslides, and initial tsunami warnings (now lifted).  

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has been providing critical updates since the first tremor was felt at approximately 9:43 AM on Friday, October 10. The second major shock occurred around 7:12 PM, intensifying damage and public alarm. Officials have characterized the sequence as a "doublet earthquake," a rare occurrence where two major earthquakes happen in the same location in a short span of time.

In a statement, PHIVOLCS Director Dr. Teresito Bacolcol explained the situation. "This was a significant seismic event along the Philippine Trench. We are treating this as a doublet earthquake, where the initial shock triggered a second major tremor on a nearby fault segment. We have recorded hundreds of aftershocks and we must emphasize that the public should remain prepared for more."

On the ground, the impact was immediate and severe. Residents reported violent shaking that sent people fleeing from their homes and buildings. The Manay District Hospital sustained foundational cracks, forcing the precautionary evacuation of its patients. Initial reports from provincial disaster agencies confirm at least nine fatalities across the region, with causes ranging from falling debris and collapsing structures to landslides in mountainous areas.

Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang called for calm and assured the public that help is underway. "Our priority is the safety of our citizens. Our provincial disaster response teams have been fully activated since yesterday to conduct search, rescue, and retrieval operations," he stated in a radio interview this morning. "We are conducting a rapid damage assessment, but we already see significant impact on homes, public buildings, and infrastructure. We ask everyone to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities."

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has been placed on high alert, coordinating with local government units to manage the crisis. While the tsunami warnings issued yesterday have been lifted, the council continues to advise caution.

"We urge residents in coastal areas to remain watchful and avoid the shoreline until it is declared completely safe by PHIVOLCS," an NDRRMC spokesperson said. "The national government is mobilizing resources to support the provincial government's response efforts. Relief goods and medical teams are being dispatched to the most affected areas."

As of this morning, much of Davao Oriental remains without electricity. Assessment teams are working to determine the full extent of the damage to roads and bridges, which may hamper relief efforts. Residents are advised to inspect their homes for structural damage before re-entering and to rely only on official sources for information as recovery operations continue.