Manila, October 11 – A powerful 7.4‑magnitude earthquake struck the southern coast of the Philippines early Friday, killing at least six people. A strong aftershock hit later that same day, adding another fatality and sparking tsunami alerts across the region.
The first quake struck at 9:43 a.m. local time, about 43 kilometres deep under the sea off the coast of Manay, Davao Oriental in Mindanao. Philippine authorities say the shock came from movement along the Philippine Trench, a deep underwater fault to the east of the country. “The tremor was felt widely,” said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). They warned that waves could exceed a meter and urged coastal residents to move to higher ground or inland right away.
The tremor touched off a 6.9‑magnitude aftershock later in the day, prompting extended tsunami warnings beyond the Philippines. The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center capped Shake‐wave ranges between 0.3 and 1 metre and told people in Indonesia and Palau to stay alert. Indonesia’s Metrology Agency reported small surf waves, only a few centimetres high, along parts of North Sulawesi and the Talaud Islands. Although the warning was eventually lifted, the threat kept many on edge.
Phivolcs called the two shocks a “doublet quake” – separate events in the same area, each with different strengths and epicentres. Their chief, Teresito Bacolcol, stressed that the risk of aftershocks remained and urged communities to stay vigilant.
This event comes just 10 days after another deadly quake struck central Philippines, leaving 79 dead and hundreds injured. The new quake adds fresh casualties, raising fears of yet more damage and loss.
Why It Matters
The southern Philippines sits on a busy fault zone that regularly produces deadly earthquakes. Large shocks can trigger tsunamis that travel quickly around island chains. Residents along the coast of Davao Oriental and nearby areas are already wary. After the 7.4‑magnitude earthquake, emergency services moved to help victims and clear debris. Hospitals in Davao triggered triage to handle potential new injuries.
What’s Next
Phivolcs continues to monitor seismic activity. They keep communities informed through local media, sirens, and social‑media alerts. Residents should avoid basements or low‑lying streets in the event of a tsunami. Stay tuned to official updates and be ready to evacuate if a warning is issued.
Tremors like these remind us that the region is vulnerable to earthquakes and tsunamis. Local governments are preparing emergency response plans, but residents’ readiness – knowing the routes to higher ground and keeping emergency kits at hand – remains the best defence.
Key Takeaways
- Huge 7.4‑magnitude earthquake struck southern Philippines, killing at least 6.
- 6.9‑magnitude aftershock later the same day added another death.
- Tsunami warnings extended to Indonesia, Palau, and parts of the Philippines.
- Phivolcs labelled the shocks a “doublet quake.”
- Thousands are still recovering from a recent quake that killed 79.
Stay safe, follow official instructions, and keep informed about any new advisories. The community’s resilience and preparation are crucial in the face of these natural hazards.
Source: aninews
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