Phivolcs Confirms Davao Oriental ‘Doublet Earthquake’; Over 8,000 Residents Affected

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) confirmed that the two powerful tremors that struck Davao Oriental on Friday, October 10, 2025—measuring magnitude 7.4 and magnitude 6.8—may be classified as a “doublet earthquake,” as the country’s disaster management council reported thousands displaced and several casualties.

In a statement, Phivolcs explained that the unusual seismic activity involved “distinct or different earthquakes in almost the same area with two (or more) main shocks that have slight difference in magnitude.”

The agency added that this phenomenon “happens when faults or trenches are causing the stress to trigger a sequence of events.”

Phivolcs cited previous doublet earthquake events in the country, such as the 2023 Hinatuan Earthquake—where a magnitude 7.4 quake on December 2 was followed by a magnitude 6.8 tremor two days later—and the May 1992 Manay earthquakes, which recorded magnitudes 7.1 and 7.5, both triggered by the Philippine Trench.

The powerful tremors that rocked Davao Oriental on Friday morning and evening caused widespread panic among residents across the province. As of Friday night, Phivolcs had recorded more than 300 aftershocks in the affected areas, several of which were felt strongly in neighboring provinces.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), in its initial situational report released Saturday, October 11, said that more than 8,000 individuals were affected by the back-to-back quakes.

The disaster affected a total of 8,436 people, or 3,519 families, in the hardest-hit areas of Davao Oriental and nearby municipalities.

Authorities carried out preemptive evacuations for 1,265 residents, while 7,915 individuals remain displaced as of the latest report.

The NDRRMC confirmed that seven people were killed, while 11 others sustained injuries due to falling debris and structural collapses triggered by the strong ground shaking. Fortunately, no missing persons have been reported so far.

A total of 33 houses were reported damaged, though government engineers are still assessing the extent of damage to roads, bridges, and public facilities. The NDRRMC added that estimates of losses in infrastructure and agriculture are still being validated.

Local officials have mobilized response teams to deliver relief assistance and assess critical lifelines, such as electricity, water supply, and telecommunications, which were briefly disrupted following the quakes.

Emergency shelters have been opened in various evacuation centers across the province to accommodate displaced residents.

Phivolcs said it continues to monitor aftershocks and assess the likelihood of further seismic activity in the region. The agency reminded residents to remain vigilant, as aftershocks may continue for several days or even weeks.

“These are distinct or different earthquakes in almost the same area with two (or more) main shocks that have slight difference in magnitude,” Phivolcs reiterated. “This happens when faults or trenches are causing the stress to trigger a sequence of events.”

Authorities have urged the public to stay alert, follow official advisories, and avoid sharing unverified information that may cause panic.

As recovery efforts continue, government agencies and local officials are working together to restore normalcy in the quake-hit communities of Davao Oriental and nearby Mindanao provinces.