Magnitude 7.6 quake hits Davao; power, classes disrupted

A strong magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck off the coast of Manay, Davao Oriental at 9:43 a.m. on Friday, 10 October 2025, shaking the entire Davao Region and prompting widespread power outages, class suspensions, and immediate disaster response activation.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) located the epicenter at 07.09°N, 127.09°E, about 62 kilometers southeast of Manay. The quake, of tectonic origin, was felt across multiple provinces including Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, Davao Occidental, and Davao del Sur.

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) reported a total blackout in Davao del Norte. Emergency power interruptions affected parts of Davao City—particularly Maa and Ecoland—and several towns in Davao Oriental, such as Banaybanay, Lupon, San Isidro, Mati City, Governor Generoso, Tarragona, and Manay. Power line assessments are ongoing in Davao de Oro and Davao del Sur.

Minor infrastructure damage was reported, including a collapsed water tank at Panabo City Police Station and a damaged fence at Talaingod Municipal Police Station, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The Police Regional Office 11 (PRO11), led by PBGEN Joseph R. Arguelles, promptly activated its Disaster Incident Management Task Group and Incident Command Center to coordinate with local disaster offices. Rapid response teams were deployed, checkpoints established to prevent disaster tourism, and police visibility was increased in vulnerable areas.

The tremor affected 66 municipalities and one city, covering 1,162 barangays. Reports of displaced families, power disruptions, and structural damage are being verified. All public and private schools across the Davao Region have suspended classes. Coastal residents in Davao Oriental were advised to evacuate to higher ground as a precaution against potential sea disturbances.

Assessment and relief operations are ongoing as responders work to restore services and ensure public safety amid possible aftershocks.