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Asia10 October, 20252 min read

Two Powerful Earthquakes Strike Southern Philippines, Killing at Least Seven and Triggering Landslides and Tsunami Alerts

This article is an automated aggregation of coverage from news outlets. Our editorials offer in-depth analysis curated by the NewsCord team.

A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck off Manay, Davao Oriental, killing at least seven people. A 6.8 to 6.9 magnitude aftershock followed hours later, triggering new tsunami warnings and evacuations.

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Two Powerful Earthquakes Strike Southern Philippines, Killing at Least Seven and Triggering Landslides and Tsunami Alerts
Image: Associated Press
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Philippines Earthquakes and Response

Two powerful offshore earthquakes struck off the southern Philippines near Manay, Davao Oriental, hours apart. The first quake was reported at magnitude 7.4, followed by a second in the high-6 range. These earthquakes prompted landslides, widespread evacuations, and tsunami alerts that were later lifted.

“Two powerful offshore earthquakes struck the southern Philippines on Friday, hours apart. The first, a magnitude 7.4 quake, killed at least seven people...”
Associated Press

Many Western mainstream outlets reported the death toll as at least seven, while others reported lower early counts. Authorities warned of aftershocks and coastal hazards as evacuations unfolded across multiple provinces before the tsunami threat subsided.

Image from NBC News
Image: NBC News
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Earthquake Impact and Damage

Details on casualties and damage vary by outlet. Multiple sources report deaths from a mine shaft collapse near Manay, a wall collapse in Mati, debris in Davao City, and heart attacks during the shaking. Airports, hospitals, and schools sustained damage.

Davao City’s international airport reported cracks but stayed operational. One hospital moved hundreds of patients outside as a precaution. Small tsunami waves were observed locally and in nearby Indonesia before alerts were lifted.

Image from Glasgow Times
Image: Glasgow Times
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Philippine Trench Earthquake Doublet

Seismologists described the pair of earthquakes as a “doublet” along the Philippine Trench. Sources disagree on the exact magnitudes and depths of the quakes. Reports put the first quake at 7.4 (AP, Guardian) or 7.6 (India Today, 1News).

“Both quakes, described as a ‘doublet,’ had different epicenters but originated from the same fault line.”
Associated Press

The depth of the first quake is variously reported from a shallow 10 km to about 58 km. The follow-on shock is labeled 6.7, 6.8, or 6.9 depending on the outlet and update. Agencies warned of strong aftershocks and urged people to avoid shorelines during alerts.

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Recent Pacific Earthquake Activity

The quakes struck while the Philippines was still recovering from a deadly 6.9-magnitude event in Cebu days earlier. Sources differ on the death toll from that event, with estimates ranging from 72 to 75. Several reports also mention small tsunami waves in Indonesia.

Additionally, a separate magnitude-6.0 earthquake occurred near Papua New Guinea. These incidents highlight the volatile seismic activity across the Pacific Ring of Fire region.

Image from India Today
Image: India Today
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Earthquake Aftermath and Response

Emergency response continues as authorities tally damage and manage aftershocks. More than 300 aftershocks have been recorded, and a strong aftershock triggered renewed tsunami alerts in the evening.

“Over 300 aftershocks were recorded... Hospitals evacuated patients due to building damage, and schools suspended classes.”
The Hindu

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said damage assessments and rescue and relief preparations are underway. Officials urged communities to stay away from shorelines during alerts and to use caution around damaged structures as aftershocks persist.

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Image: thenightly.au
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