A sigh of relief swept across parts of the Pacific this Friday. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center officially called off its tsunami alert. This decision came after a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake hit off the southern coast of the Philippines. People in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Palau had been bracing for impact, but the danger passed.
The earthquake struck earlier in the morning. It happened offshore from Davao Oriental province. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, known as PHIVOLCS, first reported its strength as 7.6. Later, they adjusted it down to 7.4. The quake’s center was about 44 kilometers northeast of Manay town, and it was quite deep, at 20 kilometers below the surface.
Sadly, the earthquake did cause harm. At least two people have died. Ednar Dayanghirang, a regional civil defense director, confirmed one death from the governor’s office. Many children were also taken to hospitals. They suffered from fainting spells and minor bruises due to the shock.
The immediate aftermath was chaotic. Before the tsunami warning was cancelled, PHIVOLCS had advised coastal residents to evacuate. They told people to move to higher ground or further inland. The forecast was for waves up to one meter high.
Panic spread quickly. Governor Edwin Jubaib of Davao del Norte described a scene of “total chaos” in his city hall. People, including staff, were frantic. Reports of cracks and damage to many buildings started coming in. In Manay, a coastal town, people ran out of a gym where a festival was happening. Two teachers fainted from fear and needed hospital care. Other teachers were seen holding chairs over their heads, trying to shield themselves from anything that might fall.
Director Dayanghirang noted significant damage in Manay. This includes structural harm to homes, churches, and businesses. Even his own house in Manay showed cracks after the shaking.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. quickly issued a public statement. He ordered an immediate evacuation of coastal areas in several provinces. These included parts of Visayas and Mindanao. He urged everyone affected to stay calm and monitor the situation. “Move to high ground and stay away from the coast,” he said, “until authorities declare it safe.”
The President also rallied government agencies. He directed disaster relief teams, the military, and the coast guard to get involved. They were to open emergency communication lines and work closely with local officials. His administration is ready for search, rescue, and relief efforts once it’s safe to enter affected areas. The Department of Social Welfare has food and aid ready. The Department of Health is prepared with emergency medical help.
The Office of the Vice President also stepped in. They called for psychological support for those affected, especially children. This earthquake came just 11 days after another strong quake hit Cebu province. That earlier event led to at least 74 deaths. PHIVOLCS continues to warn people to stay alert for aftershocks.
Source: ABS-CBN