Philippine President Marcos Jr orders coastal evacuations after 7.6-magnitude earthquake, tsunami warning issued

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has urged residents in coastal areas of central and southern Philippines to evacuate immediately after a powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck offshore near Manay town in Davao Oriental, Mindanao. The tremor, which occurred at a depth of 10ft, triggered tsunami warnings and widespread fear among communities.

"We are working round the clock to ensure that help reaches everyone who needs it," Marcos Jr. said on his official Facebook page, emphasizing that search and rescue operations will commence as soon as it is safe. He urged residents in affected regions to move to higher ground and stay away from the shore until authorities confirm it is safe. As of now, the Philippine authorities have lifted the initial tsunami alert, though officials continue to monitor the situation closely for any aftershocks or new threats.

Tsunami warning and regional alerts

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) warned of possible damage and aftershocks following the earthquake. Residents along the coasts of Davao Oriental, Surigao del Norte, and Leyte were advised to evacuate immediately.

Indonesia's northern Sulawesi and Papua regions were also placed under tsunami advisory, though waves were forecasted to be minor, reaching up to 50 centimeters.

Governor Edwin Jubahib of Davao Oriental reported that the tremor caused panic among residents, with some buildings sustaining structural damage. Videos circulating on social media showed hospital staff and patients evacuating amid shaking, while footage from fish farms revealed violently disturbed water in tanks and containers.

Ongoing relief efforts

Local authorities have mobilized emergency personnel and relief teams to affected areas, although operations are temporarily delayed until aftershocks subside. Schools in Davao City have been closed to allow officials to inspect infrastructure and ensure public safety.

Marcos Jr. urged citizens to remain vigilant and heed evacuation orders, saying, "Move to higher ground and avoid the shoreline. Authorities will notify you when it is safe to return."

Nation on Edge

This earthquake comes less than two weeks after a 6.9-magnitude quake struck Cebu province, killing 74 people and injuring hundreds. The Philippines, situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, is highly prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity, and is also vulnerable to typhoons and severe tropical storms.

Severe Tropical Storm Bualoi caused at least 11 deaths and forced hundreds of thousands to evacuate. In September, Super Typhoon Ragasa devastated the northern Cagayan province, leaving extensive damage in its wake.