A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of the Philippines early Friday, killing at least two people and prompting tsunami warnings that were later lifted, officials said.

The tremor occurred at around 9:43 a.m. local time (01:43 GMT), approximately 44 kilometres northeast of Manay town in Davao Oriental province, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). The agency initially reported a magnitude of 7.6 before revising it down.

Residents along the eastern seaboard were instructed to evacuate after authorities warned of waves reaching more than a metre (3.3 ft) above normal tide levels. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered immediate evacuations of coastal communities as a precaution.

However, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reported that the largest observed wave was only 32 centimetres and later lifted its alert for the Philippines, Palau, and Indonesia around noon.

“These areas are now put on stand down mode,” Office of Civil Defense Deputy Administrator Rafaelito Alejandro IV said. “We remind the public to stay on alert at kalmado lang. Kami ay tuluy-tuloy ang aming trabaho to assess the situation.”

“We assure the public that all units on the ground are doing their rapid assessment of the damage and overall impact of the earthquake,” Alejandro added.

Panic and Damage

Local officials reported scenes of panic as strong tremors shook buildings across Mindanao island.

“Some buildings were reported to have been damaged,” Edwin Jubahib, governor of Davao Oriental province, told DZMM. “It was very strong.”

“Talagang nag-panic ang mga tao dito sa capitol at mga employees,” Jubahib said. “At may mga crack na na-report sa atin at may mga gusali ding may damage na na-report,” he added.

In Davao City, near the epicentre, hospital patients were evacuated and treated outdoors as staff and bystanders gathered in parking areas. Footage showed power lines swaying and vehicles coming to a standstill as the quake hit.

“So far meron na po tayong recorded na dalawang casualty, and na-evacuate na natin yung mga pasyente sa ospital natin, provincial and district hospital,” Nelson Dayanghirang, governor of Davao Oriental, told ANC’s Dateline.

Friday’s earthquake follows a 6.9-magnitude tremor that struck the central province of Cebu just over a week ago, killing 74 people and injuring hundreds.

PHIVOLCS said more than 179 aftershocks had been recorded since the Davao quake, including one measuring magnitude 5.8.

‘Accept Our Reality’

The Philippines sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region of intense seismic and volcanic activity.

“Filipinos are now experiencing disaster fatigue from typhoons, volcanic minor eruptions and earthquakes,” said Teresito Bacolcol, director of PHIVOLCS.

Dr. Bacolcol called on Filipinos to “accept our reality” that “every now and then we will be jolted by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis.”

“Instead of panicking, we have to prepare,” Bacolcol said.

Authorities said emergency teams remain on the ground assessing damage and providing assistance to affected communities.

📷 Screengrab from contributed video