Powerful 7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Southern Philippines, Two Dead

A powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 struck offshore in the southern Philippines on Friday, killing at least two people and causing structural damage in towns near the epicenter, officials said. The quake occurred off the town of Manay in Davao Oriental province, prompting a tsunami alert for coasts within 300 km (186 miles), which was later lifted for both the Philippines and Indonesia.

Civil defence official Karlo Puerto reported that the fatalities occurred in Mati City, close to the epicentre. Local officials said homes, bridges, and building facades were damaged, while roads were cracked and some bridges rendered impassable. Residents described the tremors lasting 30 to 40 seconds, with metal gates rattling and vehicles shaking. “We couldn’t stand earlier. I am 46 years old now, and this is the strongest earthquake I ever felt,” said local resident Richie Diuyen.

The quake comes just ten days after a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck central Philippines, killing 79 people and causing widespread damage on the island of Cebu. Authorities continue to monitor aftershocks, with Phivolcs warning that tremors as strong as 6.4 could follow. Residents in coastal areas were urged to move inland or seek higher ground.

The Philippines lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a tectonically active region where several plates converge, making it one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world. The nation experiences more than 800 quakes annually, often triggered by the movement of the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that search-and-rescue teams would be deployed once it is safe. “We are working round the clock to ensure that help reaches everyone who needs it,” he said. Verified footage showed workers evacuating buildings, offices swaying, and residents gathering in open spaces. In Indonesia, images from Sulawesi showed receding water along beaches and fishing boats returning to shore.