A series of powerful earthquakes struck off the coast of the Philippines, resulting in at least seven fatalities and prompting a local tsunami warning. The initial quake, measured at a magnitude of 6.6, occurred on Friday, followed by a second tremor registered at 6.8. Both earthquakes originated from the same fault line, the Philippine Trench, as explained by Teresito Bacolcol, chief of the Philippine Institute of Seismology and Volcanology. Bacolcol characterized the second event as a “doublet quake,” noting that while both were in close proximity, they differed in strength and epicenter.
Authorities are concerned that the second quake, which struck during the night, may have compromised already weakened structures from the first seismic event. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is currently overseeing damage assessments and coordinating rescue efforts, ensuring that teams are ready to deploy once conditions permit.
The first earthquake was centered approximately 43 kilometers east of Manay town, affecting the surrounding regions significantly. According to Ednar Dayanghirang, regional director of the government’s Office of Civil Defense, the fatalities included two patients who suffered heart attacks at a hospital and a civilian who was struck by falling debris in Mati city within Davao Oriental. Additionally, three villagers lost their lives in a landslide triggered by the initial quake in a remote gold-mining area of Pantukan in Davao de Oro province.
Impact on Infrastructure and Local Communities
The tremors caused extensive damage to various structures, with several buildings, including an international airport in Davao city, sustaining visible cracks. Fortunately, the airport remained operational, and no flights were canceled. Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro, deputy administrator of the Office of Civil Defense, reported that the intense shaking affected numerous facilities, including a high school where around 50 students required medical attention for injuries such as bruises and dizziness.
Witness accounts describe the chaos that unfolded during the earthquakes. Jun Saavedra, a disaster-mitigation officer, recounted his experience, stating, “I was driving my car when it suddenly swayed and I saw power lines swaying wildly. People darted out of houses and buildings as the ground shook and electricity came off.” He emphasized that this event was the strongest quake he had ever experienced.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre in Honolulu initially detected small waves along the coasts of the Philippines and Indonesia, though the tsunami threat was lifted within two hours of the first quake. Evacuations were ordered in six coastal provinces near Davao Oriental, but no significant waves were ultimately reported.
Ongoing Challenges in Disaster Management
The Philippines is still grappling with the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that struck on September 30, 2023, which had a magnitude of 6.9 and resulted in at least 74 deaths, particularly affecting the central province of Cebu and the city of Bogo. The nation faces additional challenges as it contends with approximately 20 typhoons and storms each year, making disaster preparedness and response a critical focus for the government and various volunteer organizations.
As rescue and relief operations continue, the Philippine government remains vigilant, aiming to support affected communities and assess the full extent of the damages caused by these recent earthquakes.
