A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the southeastern coast of the Philippines on Friday morning, sending terrified residents fleeing into the streets as buildings shook violently across Mindanao island.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake hit around 9:45 a.m. local time, about 123 kilometers (79 miles) from Davao City, Mindanao’s largest urban center, at a depth of 58.1 kilometers (36 miles).
The tremor was felt across much of the southern Philippines and parts of Indonesia.
At least one person was killed after being buried under rubble in Davao Oriental province, according to local lawmaker Cheeno Almario. Dozens of others were reported injured as homes, schools, and markets sustained damage.
The U.S. Tsunami Warning System initially issued alerts for possible waves affecting the Philippines, Indonesia, and Palau, but the threat was lifted by midday after sea levels returned to normal.
Footage from Davao City showed scenes of chaos as the ground shook for several seconds. Shoppers at a market screamed and scrambled for cover while firefighters outside their station crouched to the ground as sirens blared.
“All the people in the building came out shouting loudly,” said Jaymar Seso, who was outside the Davao Regional Medical Center when the quake hit. “After it subsided, you could really see the fear on people’s faces.”
In nearby Davao Oriental, disaster officer Jun Saavedra described a scene of panic: “I saw power lines swaying wildly. People darted out of houses and buildings as the ground shook and electricity went off. We’ve had earthquakes in the past, but this was the strongest.”
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said authorities were conducting damage assessments and preparing emergency response operations. “We are working round the clock to ensure that help reaches everyone who needs it,” he said in a statement posted to social media.
The Philippines is still reeling from a 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck the central island of Cebu less than two weeks ago, the country’s deadliest in over a decade. That quake killed at least 72 people, injured hundreds, and displaced tens of thousands.
Situated along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” the Philippines regularly experiences earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The 25,000-mile arc of fault lines is home to more than half of the world’s active volcanoes.
The quake comes as the country struggles to recover from two destructive typhoons earlier this month, while public anger grows over alleged government misuse of flood relief funds.
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant, warning of possible aftershocks and advising those in coastal areas to stay alert despite the lifting of the tsunami warning.
Source: CNN
Written By Rodney Mbua
