Over 200 Aftershocks Recorded After Magnitude 7.4 Earthquake Strikes Off Davao Oriental

A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck off the coast of Davao Oriental on Friday morning, October 10, shaking parts of Mindanao and prompting nationwide concern.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) initially reported the tremor at magnitude 7.6 before downgrading it to 7.4, and later to 7.5 after further analysis.

The earthquake, which occurred at around 9:43 a.m., triggered widespread alarm among residents and local officials. By 1 p.m., Phivolcs had recorded 213 aftershocks in 41 different areas.

“We won’t be surprised if there’s a magnitude 6.4, but hopefully it won’t get that high,” said Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol during a press conference. He added that, “The aftershocks will normally last for several days to several weeks.”

The number of aftershocks rose rapidly—from initial reports to 213 within just an hour, by 1:50 p.m. Phivolcs said the recorded aftershocks ranged from magnitudes 1.3 to 5.8, with the strongest one possibly reaching magnitude 6.4.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. immediately ordered all relevant government agencies to assist affected communities in Davao Oriental.

“We are now assessing the situation on the ground and ensuring that everyone is safe,” Marcos said in a statement issued shortly after the quake.

Local disaster response units were mobilized to assess possible damage and casualties, while residents in coastal areas were advised to remain alert for potential aftershocks and secondary hazards.

As of Friday afternoon, no tsunami warnings had been raised, but authorities continued monitoring conditions closely.

Meanwhile, amid the ongoing recovery and assessment efforts in Mindanao, motorists are bracing for another price hike in gasoline prices next week. According to Jetti Petroleum president Leo Bellas, gasoline prices may go up by 40 centavos to 60 centavos per liter by October 14.

Government agencies are expected to release further updates on relief operations and damage assessments in the coming days.