At least three people were killed after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Davao Oriental on Friday morning, shaking large parts of Mindanao and prompting widespread panic across the region.
Authorities confirmed that all three fatalities were recorded in Mati City, near the quake’s epicenter. Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang said one victim died after a wall collapsed, while two others suffered cardiac arrest amid the chaos and fear that swept through communities.
The earthquake hit around 9:43 a.m. near the coastal town of Manay, sending thousands of residents fleeing from buildings, schools, and shopping centers. Videos shared online showed panicked people running for safety as the ground violently shook.
“It was very slow at first, then it got stronger,” said teacher Christine Sierte from Compostela, recalling the terrifying moments when ceilings fell inside their school. “That’s the longest time of my life,” she added, noting that some students experienced panic attacks and difficulty breathing.
Phivolcs initially issued a tsunami warning for the eastern seaboard, urging coastal residents to evacuate, fearing waves as high as three meters. Only a 32-centimeter surge was later recorded, leading both Phivolcs and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center to lift the alert by noon.
In Tagum City, local official Wes Caasi said a government event descended into chaos when the quake struck. “The people panicked, they screamed and ran,” he told AFP. Other witnesses reported seeing office workers, mallgoers, and students rushing outdoors to open spaces.
Power and communication lines were disrupted in parts of Davao Oriental, according to police officer Dianne Lacorda, as authorities struggled to assess the full extent of the damage. The provincial government has suspended classes and sent non-essential staff home.
The disaster comes just 11 days after a 6.9-magnitude earthquake in Cebu left 75 dead and more than 1,200 injured, highlighting once again the Philippines’ vulnerability to powerful tremors. The country lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” where seismic activity is among the most intense in the world.
