Medical staff of the Southern Philippines Medical Center moved patients outside the hospital premises to safer areas | Photo by Al Ya Ni on Facebook
DAVAO ORIENTAL, PHL — Two powerful earthquakes struck off the coast of Davao Oriental on Friday, jolting communities across Mindanao and triggering a tsunami scare that sent thousands fleeing to higher ground. The first quake, a magnitude 7.4 tremor, hit at 9:43 AM, followed by a second 6.8 quake just before nightfall. Together, they left a trail of damage, grief, and resilience.
“We ran without shoes, carrying only our children,” said Maricel Abayon, a market vendor in Mati City, recalling the chaos after tsunami sirens blared. “The ground was still shaking, but we didn’t stop. We just ran.”
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) issued immediate tsunami warnings for coastal areas in Davao Oriental, Surigao del Sur, and parts of Eastern Visayas. Though the warnings were lifted later that evening, the panic was real. Minor sea level changes were recorded, including a 30 cm wave in Surigao del Sur.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. addressed the nation Friday night, urging calm and pledging swift action. “Our priority is saving lives and restoring dignity to those affected,” he said. “I have ordered the deployment of search-and-rescue teams and the immediate release of emergency funds to support local governments.”
At least seven people have been confirmed dead, including three in Pantukan, Davao de Oro, where a landslide buried a roadside eatery. In Davao City, one fatality was reported after a building partially collapsed. Over 8,000 individuals were displaced, and 792 aftershocks have been recorded as of Saturday morning.
Governor Niño Uy of Davao Oriental described the situation as “controlled but fragile.” He confirmed damage to 36 court buildings, several bridges, and coastal infrastructure. “We are suspending all tourism activities until further notice,” Uy said, adding that engineers are assessing structural integrity across the province.
Students at Davao State College were evacuated mid-exam. “The floor shook like a wave,” said Jomar Lizada, a third-year engineering student. “We huddled outside, praying it wouldn’t collapse. Some of us haven’t gone back inside since.”
In Barangay Tagbinonga, local fisherman Rodel Santos said the quake’s underwater shockwaves damaged his boat. “This is our livelihood. We need help to repair and get back to the sea,” he said.
Mayor Michelle Rabat of Mati City called for national and diaspora support. “We need tents, food, and trauma care,” she said. “This is not just a natural disaster—it’s a humanitarian crisis.”
As relief efforts ramp up, the spirit of bayanihan is once again rising. Volunteers are organizing donation drives, and Filipino communities abroad are mobilizing support. But for many in Davao, the road to recovery will be long—and paved with stories of courage, loss, and hope.
