Phivolcs confirms 7.4 magnitude quake in Davao Oriental caused by movement along Philippine Trench

A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake that rocked Davao Oriental on Friday, October 10, was triggered by the movement of the Philippine Trench, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) confirmed.

The agency said the massive quake was generated by tectonic forces along the subduction zone east of Mindanao, where the Philippine Sea Plate continuously dives beneath the Sunda Plate—one of the most active seismic regions in the world.

PHIVOLCS stressed that the country’s location within the Pacific Ring of Fire makes it naturally prone to frequent earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and possible tsunamis. The agency urged the public to remain calm but vigilant, emphasizing that preparedness—not fear—is key to survival in a seismically active nation like the Philippines.

It assured that its advanced monitoring network, composed of Satellite-Telemetered Seismic Stations (STSS), Staff-Controlled Seismic Stations (SCSS), and Volcano Observatories across the country, swiftly detected and recorded the strong tremor.

PHIVOLCS reiterated its commitment to strengthening its monitoring systems and rapid-response operations, ensuring that Filipinos receive timely and accurate warnings for earthquakes and tsunami threats. The agency is also expanding its training programs to sharpen the technical skills and crisis readiness of its personnel.

Meanwhile, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the October 10, 2025, magnitude 7.4 quake resulted from oblique reverse faulting—a combination of vertical and horizontal ground movement—along the Philippine Trench. The rupture likely spanned a fault area approximately 75 by 30 kilometers.

USGS noted that the Philippines has recorded at least 155 earthquakes of magnitude 6 or higher within 250 kilometers of the latest epicenter over the past century, including 15 quakes exceeding magnitude 7—highlighting the country’s volatile and complex tectonic environment.