A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck off the southeastern coast of the Philippines Friday morning, triggering widespread panic and sending residents pouring into the streets as buildings shook violently.
The epicenter was located off the eastern side of Mindanao Island, approximately 79 miles (123 kilometers) from the major city of Davao, at a depth of 58.1 kilometers (36 miles). The tremor struck around 9:45 a.m. local time.
In the province of Davao Oriental, at least one person was killed, buried under debris sustained by collapsing structures. Authorities are scrambling to confirm the exact death toll amid significant damage reports.
Initial tsunami alerts were issued for coastal regions across the Philippines, Indonesia, and Palau. Those warnings have now been lifted, though small sea fluctuations were observed in nearby waters.
Dramatic video footage captured the moment the quake hit: terrified residents fled buildings, drivers struggled to control their vehicles, and structural cracks appeared on facades across towns. In Davao City, firefighters were shown crouching outside their station under blaring alarms, while markets and malls emptied in chaos.
Officials say power lines were seen swaying, and multiple communities reported sudden power outages, communication disruptions, and damaged homes. Authorities have launched damage assessments and organized search-and-rescue efforts, though aftershocks and unstable structures continue to hamper operations.
The quake comes just weeks after a devastating magnitude 6.9 temblor in Cebu that claimed dozens of lives and left many displaced, compounding fears over the region’s seismic vulnerability.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called for swift emergency response and support for affected residents, directing disaster agencies and local governments to coordinate relief efforts immediately.
This incident once again highlights the Philippines’ precarious position along the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, where seismic activity remains a constant threat.
