President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed all concerned government agencies to carry out immediate evacuations and relief operations following the magnitude 7.6 earthquake that struck off the coast of Davao Oriental at 9:43 a.m. on Thursday, October 10.
In a statement, the President said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has issued a tsunami warning for several coastal provinces in Mindanao and the Visayas, including Davao Oriental, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Southern Leyte, and Eastern Samar.
“We are now assessing the situation on the ground and ensuring that everyone is safe,” Marcos said. He ordered the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Office of Civil Defense, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, and other concerned agencies to carry out evacuations in coastal areas, activate emergency communication lines, and coordinate closely with local governments.
The President also confirmed that search, rescue, and relief operations are underway and will be deployed “as soon as it is safe to do so.” The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has been pre-positioning food and non-food items, while the Department of Health (DOH) stands ready to provide emergency medical assistance.
Marcos appealed to residents in affected areas to remain alert and heed official warnings:
“Move to higher ground and stay away from the shore until authorities declare it safe. Follow all instructions from your local disaster councils and barangay officials. Your safety is our top priority.”
He added that government teams are working “round the clock” to ensure that assistance reaches everyone in need. “Let us continue to look out for one another and pray for the safety of all our countrymen,” he said.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology earlier confirmed that the powerful earthquake, which had a depth of 10 kilometers, was tectonic in origin and centered 62 kilometers southeast of Manay, Davao Oriental.
As of posting time, there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage, but authorities remain on high alert as the country—located along the Pacific Ring of Fire—is prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.
