A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Davao City late Friday night, sending thousands of residents fleeing from their homes as the ground rumbled violently for several terrifying seconds.
The quake, which hit at around 10:38 p.m., was one of the strongest to rock Mindanao in recent years. It caused power outages, triggered landslides in upland areas, and cracked several buildings across the city and nearby provinces.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said the tremor’s epicenter was located off the coast of Davao Oriental, with a depth of around 28 kilometers. The agency initially issued a tsunami warning for coastal communities in Davao Region, warning residents to move to higher ground immediately.
Moments after the quake, sirens wailed, church bells rang, and terrified residents rushed to open spaces—some barefoot, clutching their children and important belongings. Videos circulating online showed flickering lights, collapsed walls, and water tanks crashing from rooftops as the earth shook.
In the downtown area, hotel guests and night-shift workers were seen gathering in the streets, praying and comforting each other as aftershocks continued to rattle the city.
“I thought it was the end. The ground was roaring,” said Liza Navarro, a resident of Barangay Matina. “Everything was shaking—the walls, the lights, even the floor felt alive.”
Authorities have not yet released an official count of casualties or damages, but rescue teams from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) have been dispatched to assess affected areas. Several bridges were temporarily closed for inspection.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed government agencies to provide immediate assistance and ensure the safety of all residents in affected regions.
As dawn breaks over Davao, residents remain on edge, bracing for aftershocks and clinging to hope amid the ruins.
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