Imagine waking up to the ground shaking violently beneath your feet, sirens blaring, and the urgent call to flee to safety— that's the terrifying reality for residents in the southern Philippines right now, as a massive earthquake unleashes chaos and forces thousands to evacuate. But here's where it gets controversial: Is this just another natural disaster, or a wake-up call about how human development in high-risk zones is amplifying the devastation? Stick around, because we're diving deep into the latest updates, and this is the part most people miss—the hidden factors that make earthquakes in this region so predictably deadly.
By Shane Croucher, John Feng, and Amanda Castro
A devastating earthquake hit just off the coast of the Philippines on Friday, sparking a tsunami alert and mass evacuations in several provinces. This seismic event is just one in a chain of tremors that have rattled the area over the past few days.
Here's the key information you need to know:
- The Philippine seismological agency measured the quake at a magnitude of 6.9, while the USGS logged it as 6.7.
- The epicenter was situated approximately 14 miles east-southeast of Santiago on Mindanao.
- A "life-threatening" tsunami warning was activated for Surigao Del Sur, Davao Oriental, and Surigao Del Norte.
- People were urgently instructed to head to elevated areas or move away from the coast.
- Owners of boats were advised to secure their vessels or stay out in deep waters.
- Initial tsunami waves were anticipated around 9:12 p.m. local time, with the possibility of additional surges lasting for hours.
- This tremor came after a bigger 7.4-magnitude quake earlier in the week.
- The USGS has tracked 59 earthquakes of magnitude 2.5 or greater in the last 24 hours.
- The majority of aftershocks are clustered around Santiago, Baculin, Manay, and San Ignacio.
- Other seismic activity has been noted in Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, Russia's Kuril Islands, and the Banda Sea.
Keep checking Newsweek for real-time updates.
9 min ago
Oct 10, 2025 at 11:30 AM EDT
Fatal earthquake rocks southern Philippines, leading to hospital evacuations
A strong earthquake in the southern Philippines has resulted in at least six deaths, including two hospital patients who succumbed to heart attacks during the shaking, as reported by Ednar Dayanghirang from the Office of Civil Defense. The event inflicted considerable harm on buildings and infrastructure, necessitating immediate evacuations.
In Davao Oriental, Governor Nelson Dayanghirang stated that roughly 250 patients were transferred from a compromised hospital. These individuals are currently housed in makeshift tents while officials evaluate the building's stability and manage ongoing emergency responses.
28 min ago
Oct 10, 2025 at 11:11 AM EDT
How frequent are earthquakes in the Philippines?
The Philippines sees a lot of seismic activity because it's perched on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a hotspot where multiple tectonic plates collide and create instability. This setup means earthquakes happen almost daily, with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) noting an average of 20 tremors each day. Out of those, about 100 to 150 are intense enough to be noticeable by people annually.
Several elements heighten the nation's earthquake vulnerability. The Philippine Fault Zone, slicing through the islands, is among the active faults causing major shakes. Plus, the clash between the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate builds up tremendous tectonic pressure, which releases in the form of quakes.
Although many earthquakes are mild, the Philippines has a track record of catastrophic ones. The real threats often come from follow-up effects like crumbling structures, mudslides, and tsunamis. With crowded cities and fragile infrastructure, the country is ranked in the top five worldwide for earthquake danger. For beginners, think of it like living on a fault line—it's not if, but when, and preparation can mean the difference between safety and tragedy.
47 min ago
Oct 10, 2025 at 10:52 AM EDT
Essential facts about earthquakes in Santiago, Philippines
A formidable 7.4-magnitude earthquake occurred off the eastern shore of Mindanao, Philippines, on Friday morning, claiming at least three lives and setting off broad tsunami alerts. Recorded at 9:43 a.m. local time, it was succeeded by a 6.7-magnitude aftershock later that day, per the U.S. Geological Survey.
Officials cautioned about potentially deadly waves over one meter high, encouraging coastal dwellers to seek higher terrain. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology eventually reported harmless waves and lifted the warning by early afternoon.
Deaths were verified in Davao Oriental Province, such as a woman crushed by a falling wall in Mati City and another in a collapsing home. A facility in Manay was cleared due to structural issues. In Davao City, one person died and more than 300 were injured.
The quake stemmed from shifts along the Philippine Trench, a deep underwater fault in the Pacific Ring of Fire. Tsunami alerts extended to Indonesia as well. Workplaces and schools in various Mindanao towns shut down while aftershocks persisted.
1 hours ago
Oct 10, 2025 at 10:39 AM EDT
Aftershocks persist globally after significant quakes
The U.S. Geological Survey has documented 59 earthquakes of magnitude 2.5 or above in the last 24 hours, with a heavy focus on aftershocks near the eastern Philippine coast. These trailed a major 7.4-magnitude quake close to Santiago, sparking a range of tremors from 4.8 to 6.7 in the vicinity.
Significant seismic events were also observed in Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, Russia's Kuril Islands, and the Banda Sea. The Philippines experienced over two dozen aftershocks on its own, mostly grouped near Santiago, Baculin, Manay, and San Ignacio, at depths from 10 to over 80 kilometers.
Though most happened at sea, officials are still watching for effects on shoreline facilities and populations. Rescue teams stay vigilant as activity continues along various fault lines.
1 hours ago
Oct 10, 2025 at 10:24 AM EDT
Understanding tsunamis: What triggers them and how they propagate
Tsunamis consist of enormous waves set off by abrupt, massive movements of ocean water. The primary trigger is underwater earthquakes that cause the seafloor to heave up or drop down, pushing huge amounts of water out of place.
Other natural phenomena can also spark tsunamis, such as submarine or coastal landslides, volcanic blasts near or under the sea, and—though uncommon—asteroid strikes. In rare instances, severe weather patterns might play a role in water displacement.
A tsunami usually arrives as a sequence of waves, not a lone surge. Crucially, the initial wave isn't always the biggest. Once generated, these waves can cross whole oceans, spreading from the disturbance point and striking distant shores. For those new to this, picture a ripple in a pond but on a colossal scale—calm at first, but capable of overwhelming coastal areas with little warning.
1 hours ago
Oct 10, 2025 at 10:11 AM EDT
Hospital cleared in Davao Oriental after quake
Around 250 patients were relocated from a harmed hospital to provisional tents following a powerful earthquake in Davao Oriental, as per Governor Nelson Dayanghirang. The move was executed quickly to protect lives amid structural worries.
“So far, we've noted two fatalities,” Dayanghirang shared with NBC, mentioning that patients were sent to regional and local hospitals for ongoing treatment. Emergency teams continue operating in the area while officials inspect damage and organize aid.
1 hours ago
Oct 10, 2025 at 09:55 AM EDT
VISUALS: Destruction from the Philippines earthquake
...
...
...
...
...
1 hours ago
Oct 10, 2025 at 09:40 AM EDT
What sparks earthquakes?
Earthquakes happen when pent-up energy in the Earth's crust releases suddenly, typically from tectonic plate movements. These huge plates drift gradually, but when their boundaries get jammed by friction, pressure accumulates. When that pressure overcomes the resistance, the plates jolt, dispatching seismic waves that make the ground tremble.
Volcanic processes can also cause quakes, particularly when molten rock shifts underground or changes pressure in nearby rocks. Moreover, human actions like mining, injecting fluids, and building dams can upset subsurface stresses, resulting in man-made earthquakes. Explosions below ground, such as nuclear or chemical tests, represent another infrequent cause. And this is the part most people miss: While natural quakes are inevitable, human-induced ones raise debates about whether we're playing with fire by altering the Earth—should we prioritize environmental safeguards over short-term gains?
2 hours ago
Oct 10, 2025 at 09:22 AM EDT
UN offers aid after Davao quake
The United Nations has signaled its willingness to help the Philippine authorities respond to the recent earthquake impacting Davao. UN bodies are evaluating the circumstances to align possible assistance.
Arnaud Peral, the UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines, remarked, “We've just been informed about the earthquake in Davao… we're prepared to extend support.” The group is closely following events and ready to deploy resources upon request from local leaders.
2 hours ago
Oct 10, 2025 at 09:06 AM EDT
Philippine volcano specialist promotes readiness during ongoing disasters
With the Philippines enduring regular earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and storms, Dr. Teresito Bacolol from the national volcano agency advocates for composure and preparation among citizens. Located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, the nation is prone to these events.
Recognizing public exhaustion from repeated crises, Bacolol stressed building resilience. “We recognize that Filipinos are dealing with disaster weariness... We encourage them not to be afraid,” he explained. He promoted adopting preparedness as a routine, saying, “Rather than freaking out, we must get ready.”
2 hours ago
Oct 10, 2025 at 08:57 AM EDT
Chemical leak at San Pedro College after quake
A chemical leak happened this morning on the sixth floor of San Pedro College in Davao City, caused by the recent earthquake. Fire department specialists from the Bureau of Fire Protection’s Special Rescue Force arrived, suited in protective equipment, to evaluate and control the situation.
Details on the chemicals or health dangers haven't been disclosed yet. Safety measures are active while monitoring and cleanup proceed.
2 hours ago
Oct 10, 2025 at 08:44 AM EDT
Davao Airport stays open despite quake harm
After the Philippines earthquake, cracks appeared in multiple structures, including Davao City's international airport. Yet, operations carried on without interruption.
Office of Civil Defense Deputy Administrator Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV verified no flight cancellations, with safety checks in progress. Officials are overseeing damaged buildings to protect people while keeping vital services running.
3 hours ago
Oct 10, 2025 at 08:32 AM EDT
Philippine leaders launch aid operations post-quake
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has reassured the nation that the Philippine administration is acting fast on the earthquake, promising swift delivery of help to impacted areas. In a Facebook post, Marcos noted that teams are “working nonstop” to manage emergencies.
He affirmed that search, rescue, and aid groups are set for action when feasible. The Department of Social Welfare and Development is stocking supplies, and the Department of Health is geared up for medical emergencies.
3 hours ago
Oct 10, 2025 at 08:20 AM EDT
Aftershock hits after Philippines quake: USGS
The USGS detected a robust 4.8-magnitude aftershock about 39 miles east-southeast of Santiago, at a depth of roughly 26 miles.
This marks the 21st quake or aftershock logged in the region by USGS over the last day.
3 hours ago
Oct 10, 2025 at 08:16 AM EDT
Philippines disaster office warns of aftershocks and harm
The National Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Council posted on X that "aftershocks and destruction are anticipated" following the recent 6.9-magnitude earthquake.
3 hours ago
Oct 10, 2025 at 08:03 AM EDT
USGS logs major quake in Philippines
The USGS reported the earthquake at 6.7 magnitude, slightly less than Philippine seismologists' figure, occurring about 14 miles east-southeast of Santiago at a depth of around 38 miles.
No tsunami alerts were issued by the U.S. Tsunami Warning System, which focuses on risks to U.S. shores.
But here's where it gets controversial: With climate change potentially intensifying weather-related disasters, some experts argue that global warming could indirectly worsen earthquake impacts by eroding coastal defenses or triggering more landslides. Do you think we're underestimating how interconnected these natural events are? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree that human actions are exacerbating these crises, or is this just nature's unpredictable fury? We'd love to hear your take!
