What is happening in Davao Oriental and vicinity?

At 9:43 AM Philippine Standard Time (PST) on 10 October 2025 (Friday), a major earthquake with magnitude (MW) 7.4 rocked Davao Oriental and surrounding provinces. The earthquake has an offshore epicenter located 48 kilometers northeast of Manay, and an estimated depth of 23 kilometers (Figure 1). As of 4:00 PM PST on 10 October 2025, the DOST-PHIVOLCS Philippine Seismic Network (PSN) has recorded a total of 299 aftershocks ranging from M1.2 to M5.8.

Using the PHIVOLCS Earthquake Intensity Scale (PEIS), the highest reported intensity is PEIS VI (Very Strong), which was felt in Manay, Davao Oriental (Earthquake Information 4). At PEIS VI, many people are frightened. Many run outdoors and some lose their balance. Heavy objects or furniture move or may be shifted. Wall plaster may crack. Very old and poorly-built structures are slightly damaged. Limited rockfalls and rolling boulders occur.

Have strong earthquakes affected Davao Oriental and its vicinity in the past?

Yes. At least six (6) significant earthquakes with magnitudes ranging from M7.1 to M8.3 affected Davao Oriental and nearby provinces between 1885 and 2023 based on historical records1,2,3 and DOST-PHIVOLCS Earthquake Catalog. The most recent damaging earthquakes were the MS7.1 and MS7.5 earthquakes in Manay, Davao Oriental, on 17 May 1992. In both earthquakes, several buildings and infrastructure were damaged in Davao Oriental Province. A tsunami hit the eastern coast of Mindanao as well.

Why do earthquakes occur in the vicinity of Davao Oriental?

Davao Oriental and neighboring provinces are situated in one of the seismically active regions in the country. Among the earthquake sources are the Philippine Trench and the Philippine Fault’s East Compostela Valley, West Compostela Valley, Central Compostela Valley, Nabunturan, Caraga River, and Mati Segments4. There are also local inland and offshore faults, some concealed by recent deposits, capable of generating earthquakes ranging from minor to strong magnitudes.

Did this earthquake event trigger a tsunami?

Yes. DOST-PHIVOLCS released, and lifted after four (4) hours, a Tsunami Warning of a destructive tsunami for the coasts of Davao Oriental, Eastern Samar, Dinagat Islands, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur Provinces. Tsunami waves were recorded along the eastern coastline of Tandag City, with a height of approximately 30 centimeters at 10:20 AM, based on data from the DOST-PHIVOLCS Sea Level Monitoring Station. In case of another strong earthquake in the vicinity, people should be watchful and stay away from beaches and coasts.

What can we expect from the current earthquake activity?

We can expect aftershocks in the epicentral area. These aftershocks could persist for several days to weeks, and some may be felt in nearby provinces.

Aside from strong ground shaking, what other earthquake hazards may be expected?

Earthquake-induced landslides, rock falls, and other types of mass movement may occur on sloping terrains, specifically in mountainous or hilly areas. Liquefaction, manifested by subsidence, ground fissures, sand boils, and/or lateral spreads, may affect low-lying, water-saturated, and sandy areas near water bodies. Active river channels and coastal areas may be vulnerable to inundation of seawater due to the combination of liquefaction-induced subsidence and changes in sea level due to high tide. Sinkholes may appear in areas with limestone bedrock.

Can this earthquake indicate volcanic activity?

No. While the nearest active volcano to Davao Oriental is Leonard Kniaseff, the MW 7.4 earthquake is tectonic in origin. Nevertheless, in line with standard monitoring protocols for moderate to major earthquakes occurring near active volcanoes, the Institute will continue to closely monitor the area for any volcanic activity that may be affected by the event.

What should be done by the affected communities?

Prepare for aftershocks. In case of strongly felt earthquakes, the public is advised to protect themselves by doing the “Drop, Cover, and Hold” procedure. At home and in workplaces, heavy furniture and appliances should be securely anchored to walls, and hanging objects properly fastened to prevent injuries.

Exercise caution around structures that appear weakened or show signs of damage from the MW 7.4 earthquake, as these may sustain further damage by succeeding earthquakes. It is advisable to coordinate with the Municipal/City Engineering Office for inspection and guidance. Civil engineers from local government units and other agencies are strongly encouraged to assess buildings and infrastructure to determine their structural integrity and recommend appropriate measures. Structurally compromised buildings should not be reoccupied until certified safe by structural engineers.

Slopes should be inspected for tension or incipient cracks that may have formed due to strong ground shaking. These cracks can make slopes more prone to landslides, particularly during heavy rainfall or aftershocks. Areas at risk of impending landslides should be avoided.
Coastal communities should know the natural signs of an impending local tsunami. These include “shake,” a strong earthquake, “drop,” the sudden rise or fall of seawater, and “roar,” the sound of incoming waves. If any of these signs are observed, immediately evacuate to higher ground for safety.

During earthquake events, unverified information and rumors may cause unnecessary panic. We urge the public to refrain from sharing messages from unconfirmed or unreliable sources, and only rely on information released by DOST-PHIVOLCS and other authorized agencies.

What is the role of DOST-PHIVOLCS?

DOST-PHIVOLCS conducts seismic monitoring and provides earthquake information. In addition, it operates and maintains a network of 125 seismic stations across the Philippines. The closest seismic stations are the PHIVOLCS Mindanao Cluster Monitoring Center for Earthquake and Tsunami (PMCMCET) in Davao City, the staff-controlled seismic stations in Bislig City, Surigao City, Kidapawan City, General Santos City, Dipolog City, Zamboanga City, Cotabato City, and Cagayan de Oro City, as well as satellite-telemetered seismic stations in City of Mati in Davao Oriental, Cateel in Davao Oriental, Laak in Davao de Oro, Tagum City in Davao del Norte, Don Marcelino in Davao Occidental, City of Butuan, City of Tandag in Surigao del Sur, General Luna in Surigao del Norte, Loreto in Dinagat Islands Province, Talacogon in Agusan del Sur, Valencia City in Bukidnon, Bacolod in Lanao del Norte, City of Marawi in Lanao del Sur, Wao in Lanao del Sur, City of Pagadian in Zamboanga del Sur, Siocon in Zamboanga del Norte, Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay, Bagumbayan in Sultan Kudarat, Pikit in Cotabato, and Bongao in Tawi-Tawi.
DOST-PHIVOLCS will deploy a Quick Response Team (QRT) to Davao Oriental Province and vicinity. It aims to conduct geologic impact assessment and information dissemination campaign to allay the fears of the public. It also works hand-in-hand with other government agencies in these localities.

Visit our website at www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph, Facebook (/PHIVOLCS), and X (@phivolcs_dost) for earthquake information, volcano updates, hazard maps, and other information. Earthquake observations may be reported at telephone numbers (02) 8929-9254 and (02) 8426-1468 to 79, local 307 and 308, and social media accounts.

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