On Friday, the southern Philippines experienced two significant offshore earthquakes, causing widespread concern. The first tremor registered a magnitude of 7.4, resulting in the deaths of at least seven individuals. Hours later, a second quake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.8 struck the same region, triggering a local tsunami warning.
Details of the Earthquakes
Both earthquakes occurred along the Philippine Trench, approximately 43 kilometers east of Manay town in Davao Oriental province. The first quake hit at a depth of 23 kilometers, followed by the second one at a depth of 37 kilometers.
Casualties and Damage Assessment
- Fatalities: At least seven people lost their lives due to the first earthquake.
- Causes of Death: Included two patients who experienced heart attacks at a hospital and a resident struck by debris in Mati city.
- Landslides: Three more villagers died in a landslide caused by the first quake in Pantukan town, Davao de Oro province.
- Injuries: Reports indicate hundreds of injuries in the port city of Davao.
Buildings sustained considerable damage, including cracks in walls of various structures. However, Davao City International Airport remained operational during the events.
Tsunami Warnings
Following the initial quake, small waves were detected on coastlines, prompting evacuations in six coastal provinces. Fortunately, the tsunami threat was lifted after two hours, with no significant waves observed.
Impact on Local Communities
Many schools were evacuated in response to the earthquakes, particularly in Davao City, which has a population of around 5.4 million. Class suspensions occurred throughout all educational levels in the area.
Previous Natural Disasters
The Philippines is still recovering from a 6.9 magnitude earthquake on September 30, which resulted in dozens of deaths and widespread displacement in Cebu Province. These recent quakes add to the ongoing challenges faced by the country, which endures an average of 20 typhoons annually.
Conclusion
As rescue teams and relief operations prepare for deployment, officials are assessing the full extent of the damage. The local government, led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., is committed to ensuring the safety and recovery of affected communities in the wake of these earthquakes.
