A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Mindanao, Philippines, on Thursday, prompting authorities to issue a tsunami warning and urge residents in coastal regions to move to higher ground.
According to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), the quake occurred at a depth of 62 km (38.53 miles), while the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported a depth of 10 km (6 miles). The tremor struck offshore near Manay town in Davao Oriental, in the southern Mindanao region.
The U.S. Tsunami Warning System cautioned that hazardous tsunami waves could impact coastlines within 300 km (186 miles) of the epicenter. Authorities have also warned of aftershocks and possible structural damage in nearby areas.
While there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage, Phivolcs stated that wave heights of over one metre above normal tides could occur within two hours of the quake.
Residents in coastal towns across central and southern Philippines have been urged to evacuate immediately or move further inland. Local disaster response teams have been activated to monitor the situation.
This comes just a week after a 6.9-magnitude earthquake hit Cebu province, killing at least 74 people and causing major structural damage, including the collapse of the centuries-old Parish of Saint Peter the Apostle in Bantayan.
Update:
Authorities are continuing to monitor water levels and seismic activity as aftershocks have been recorded across parts of Mindanao. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has placed coastal provinces under heightened alert and is coordinating evacuation efforts. So far, no major tsunami waves have been reported, but officials have urged residents to remain vigilant as secondary tremors remain likely in the coming hours.