TAGUM CITY – A magnitude 7.6 earthquake rocked Davao Oriental and neighboring provinces on October 10, triggering damages to buildings, roads, schools, houses and other infrastructures.

Initial reports stated that one person died in Mati City, according to Governor Nelson Dayanghirang.

The number of fatalities in Mati City rose to three as a second earthquake this time with 6.8 magnitude shook the region, according as Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region 11 director Ednar Dayanghirang.

Classes were canceled in the Davao provinces and other areas while authorities assess the damages.

Coastal residents were warned of possible tsunami in Eastern Samar,· Dinagat Islands,· Davao Oriental,· Southern Leyte,· Surigao Del Norte,· Surigao Del Sur and· Leyte.

Intensity IV (moderately strong) was felt after the second earthquake in Magpet, Cotabato; Davao City, Digos City, Davao del Sur; Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental; Nabunturan, Davao de Oro; Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental; Malungon, Alabel, SaranganiI; Tupi, South Cotabato; and Hinunangan, Southern Leyte.

The public is advised to take precautions against possible strong aftershocks from the magnitude 7.4 offshore earthquake that jolted Davao Oriental.

“So far, the highest aftershock magnitude we recorded is 5.8. We remind the public to do the duck, cover and hold during earthquakes,” Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Director Teresito Bacolcol said. 

Bacolcol said the Davao Oriental quake was generated by the Philippine Trench.

Earthquakes, he said, are a normal occurrence because of active faults and trenches.

“In fact, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake also happened in Surigao del Sur in December 2023,” he said.

The Phivolcs chief also clarified that the Davao Oriental quake has no connection with recent strong earthquakes, such as the one in Cebu on Sept. 30.

“Active faults and trenches are capable of generating earthquakes,” he said.

The United States Embassy in Manila warned its citizens on the temblor. The Embassy said it continues to monitor the situation in conjunction with Philippine authorities.

In Manila, the Supreme Court said that 36 courts in Judicial Region XI had reported damage as a result of Friday morning’s magnitude 7.4 earthquake that occurred off the coast of Manay, Davao Oriental.

Judicial Region XI covers the Davao Region, Sarangani province, South Cotabato, and Surigao del Sur. All 138 courts in these areas had suspended operations, SC spokesperson Atty. Camille Ting said.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) assured that telecommunications infrastructure remains stable in most areas affected by the magnitude 7.4 quake that struck off the coast of Manay, Davao Oriental.

Three transmission lines affected by the magnitude 7.4 earthquake in Davao Oriental have been restored, but one remains unavailable, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) said.

The restored transmission lines include the Davao-Toril 69kV line, the Nabunturan-Asuncion 69kV line, and the Bunawan-Maco 138kV line.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) reported that no major damage was sustained at the airports under its jurisdiction, and all facilities remain fully operational.

CAAP, however, said minor cracks were observed in the logistics building of Dipolog Airport.

“CAAP is currently conducting an inspection to ensure structural integrity and passenger safety,” it said.