A 7.6 magnitude  earthquake hit the Philippines on Friday, causing panic and triggering a tsunami warning. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the quake struck offshore near Manay town in Davao Oriental, Mindanao, at a depth of around 10 kilometers. The agency warned that the quake could cause damage and aftershocks, urging people living near coastal areas in central and southern parts of the country to move to higher ground or go further inland as a safety measure.

Casualties by earthquake

So far, there have been no immediate reports of deaths or major damage, but officials are still assessing the situation. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii said that dangerous waves could hit areas within 186 miles of the quake’s center. It also warned that waves as high as 3 meters could strike parts of the Philippine coast, while smaller waves might reach Indonesia and Palau.

Davao Oriental’s governor, Edwin Jubahib, said people were terrified when the ground started shaking. He mentioned that some buildings were damaged, describing the quake as “very strong.” Videos shared on social media show people panicking and running for safety. One video from Tagum City Davao Hospital shows patients and medical staff rushing outside in fear. Another video from what looked like a fish shop showed water in tanks and containers shaking violently.

In neighboring Indonesia, a tsunami warning was also issued for northern Sulawesi and Papua regions, where waves up to 50 centimeters were expected. This strong earthquake comes just two weeks after another deadly quake struck the Philippines, killing 72 people on the island of Cebu. That earlier quake had a magnitude of 6.9 and also occurred offshore.

The Philippines lies in the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. Because of this, people in the country are often reminded to stay alert and prepared for natural disasters like quakes and tsunamis.