BREAKING NEWS: A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake has rattled Southeast Asia — sending shockwaves through both the Philippines and Indonesia, where tsunami warnings have now been activated. But here’s where it gets even more alarming: experts fear ‘life-threatening’ waves could follow within the hour.
Edited by Yvette Tan; with on-the-ground reports from Virma Simonette in Manila, and Koh Ewe and Kelly Ng in Singapore.
1. Philippines reels from wave after wave of disasters
Published at 04:12 BST
This morning’s massive quake comes as another devastating blow to the Philippines — a country already struggling through a season of relentless natural disasters. Just last week, a magnitude-7.0 earthquake shook Bogo City in Cebu province, claiming at least 74 lives and injuring over 500 people. And that wasn’t the only tragedy.
Adding to the devastation, Severe Tropical Storm Bualoi tore through central islands, forcing hundreds of thousands to evacuate and leaving at least 11 people dead. Then came Super Typhoon Ragasa — the strongest storm of the year — which pummeled the northern province of Cagayan in September. How much more can one nation endure?
2. Indonesia calls for calm amid uncertainty
Published at 04:08 BST
In neighboring Indonesia, officials are urging people not to panic — or spread unverified rumors that could worsen the chaos. In a statement, the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency advised: “Stay calm. Avoid cracked or damaged buildings. Inspect your homes carefully before returning.”
Authorities added that no significant damage reports have surfaced yet. Still, given Indonesia’s seismic history, is it really safe to breathe easy?
3. Panic and damage reported in Davao Oriental
Published at 04:02 BST
As the quake hit the southern Philippine province of Davao Oriental, chaos erupted. Governor Edwin Jubahib told local radio station DZMM that terrified residents ran for safety as buildings shook violently. Some structures sustained visible damage, he confirmed: “It was very strong.”
The region has painful memories — back in 2012, Typhoon Bopha claimed hundreds of lives here. Locals know too well that the aftermath can sometimes be deadlier than the initial event.
4. Philippine seismology agency warns of ‘destructive tsunami’
Published at 03:55 BST
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has sounded the alarm: a “destructive tsunami” with waves potentially rising over a meter above normal tides could hit coastal communities. The agency warned that levels could be even higher in enclosed bays and narrow straits.
Early forecasts suggest the first tsunami waves could strike before 11:43 local time (03:43 GMT) and may continue for hours. Could this be one of the deadliest tsunamis in recent memory?
5. Hospital chaos as evacuations begin in Davao City
Published at 03:46 BST
Images from state broadcaster PTV capture the frightening scene outside Southern Philippines Medical Center. Patients — some still connected to IV drips — were wheeled into the parking lot as staff and families scrambled for safety. Crowds packed hospital corridors, trying to escape potential building damage. It’s a haunting reminder that in times like these, even places of healing aren’t safe havens.
6. Tsunami could arrive within an hour, Phivolcs warns
Published at 03:37 BST
Philippine authorities are warning that tsunami waves could reach coastal towns within the hour — possibly lasting for several hours. Residents in threatened areas have been urged to move immediately to higher ground or head inland.
Phivolcs has also instructed boat owners to secure their vessels and stay away from coastal waters. Those already at sea are advised to remain offshore in deeper waters until the all-clear is given.
7. Waves may reach up to 3 meters high
Published at 03:32 BST
According to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, some regions in the Philippines could be hit by waves up to 3 meters (roughly 10 feet) above normal tide levels. For Indonesia and Palau, the surge may reach around one meter in certain coastal areas. That’s enough to sweep vehicles, homes, and entire communities if caught off guard.
8. Indonesia extends tsunami alert to northern regions
Published at 03:28 BST
Tsunami alerts are now in place across Indonesia’s northern Sulawesi and Papua provinces — more than 300 kilometers from the earthquake’s epicenter. The nation’s geophysics agency warns that these coastal regions remain under serious threat. The question now: will the next few hours spare or devastate these vulnerable shores?
9. Quake triggers tsunami warning across Mindanao
Published at 03:22 BST
The Philippines issued its initial tsunami alert shortly after the 7.4-magnitude quake struck off the coast of Mindanao early Friday morning. Emergency teams are now in full response mode as coastal residents rush to evacuate.
Stay tuned — updates are coming in by the minute. This is a developing story that could shape how both nations prepare for natural disasters in the years to come.
Do you think governments in earthquake-prone regions are doing enough to equip people for disasters like this? Share your thoughts — are we ready, or are we still underestimating nature’s power?
