DAVAO CITY, Philippines — A day after a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake rocked Davao Oriental and surrounding regions, communities across Mindanao remain on high alert, with authorities racing to assess structural damage, ensure public safety, and monitor aftershocks that continue to shake the area.
The quake, which struck offshore near Manay, Davao Oriental on October 10, was initially recorded at magnitude 7.6 but later revised to 7.4 by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). With a depth of 23 kilometers, the tectonic tremor caused strong ground shaking felt across wide swaths of Mindanao, prompting evacuations and tsunami warnings that were later lifted.
As of October 11, PHIVOLCS reported over 266 aftershocks, 11 of which were felt, including one that reached magnitude 5.8. Experts warn that more aftershocks are expected in the coming days, and residents are advised to remain vigilant, especially in areas with weakened structures.
Classes and Government Work Suspended
In the quake’s aftermath, local governments in Davao City and Davao Oriental have suspended classes and government work at all levels, pending structural inspections of schools, government buildings, and other public infrastructure.
Essential services and emergency response teams remain active, particularly in coastal and upland barangays where reports of damage continue to come in. Bridges, public markets, and rural health units are undergoing inspections. So far, no major bridge failures have been reported in Davao City, though minor structural cracks have been noted in several buildings.
Casualties and Damage Still Being Verified
While national agencies are still consolidating data, local officials and media reports indicate that at least 2 to 7 fatalities may have occurred due to the quake and its related incidents. One child was reportedly killed in a landslide in Davao de Oro, while other deaths are being verified in surrounding provinces.
Dozens of injuries, mostly due to falling debris or panic during the quake, have also been recorded. Some schools and public buildings have reported cracked walls and ceilings. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) is currently conducting a full impact assessment in coordination with regional offices.
Power Restored, But Concerns Remain
The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) announced that power transmission lines affected by the earthquake — including the Toril-Davao and Nabunturan-Asuncion lines — have been restored, easing immediate concerns over blackout risks. However, residents in some far-flung areas still experience intermittent power and water supply issues.
Looking Ahead: Preparedness and Policy
The earthquake has reignited calls for stronger enforcement of building codes, particularly in rural and coastal areas vulnerable to seismic activity. Experts also point to the need for more accessible disaster education and drills, especially in schools and densely populated barangays.
“This earthquake is a reminder that the country remains highly exposed to natural hazards. Preparedness needs to be proactive, not reactive,” said one disaster risk reduction officer in Davao.
With aftershocks continuing and damage assessments still underway, the focus now shifts to recovery and resilience. As communities begin to rebuild, the quake serves as a powerful reminder of the region’s vulnerability — and the need for sustained investment in disaster-resilient infrastructure.
As the nation reexamines who gets to call their community home and how safety can be ensured for all, the debate serves as a reminder that moving forward after a disaster demands more than repairs — it requires understanding the evolving responsibilities, risks, and resilience needed to shape a safer future.—Cali Demi
