Terror and tears as 7.5 magnitude quake shakes Davao Oriental

The ground shook violently and hearts pounded in fear as a magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck Manay, Davao Oriental, at 9:43 a.m. on Friday, October 10, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

The tectonic quake, recorded at a depth of 20 kilometers, sent residents rushing out of homes, schools, and offices as walls trembled and the earth roared beneath them.Initially measured at magnitude 7.6, it was later revised to 7.5 after further analysis.

The tremor, which lasted nearly 25 seconds, left many crying and clinging to loved ones as aftershocks continued to rattle nerves across Mindanao.The strongest shaking was felt at Intensity V in Davao City, while Intensity IV was reported in Bislig, Surigao del Sur, and several other provinces.

Instrumental readings showed significant movement in Southern Leyte, Misamis Oriental, Davao de Oro, Cotabato, Sarangani, South Cotabato, Bukidnon, and Cebu, among others.

Following the massive quake, PHIVOLCS issued a tsunami warning for offshore Davao Oriental, warning that waves could arrive between 9:43 a.m. and 11:43 a.m.

Residents in Eastern Samar, Dinagat Islands, Davao Oriental, Southern Leyte, Surigao del Norte, Leyte, and Surigao del Sur were told to evacuate immediately to higher ground or move farther inland.Boat owners were also advised to secure their vessels and stay away from the coast.

As the tremors subsided, fear and uncertainty lingered. Authorities continue to assess the damage, while shaken residents recount moments of terror — and relief — that they survived one of Mindanao’s strongest earthquakes in years.