Devastating Twin Earthquakes Hit the Philippines: At Least 5 Lives Lost in the First Quake

Two big earthquakes hit the southern Philippines on Friday, shaking the region just hours apart. The first quake registered at a strong 7.4 magnitude, causing at least five deaths. It led to landslides, damage to schools and hospitals, and evacuations near the coast due to an initial tsunami warning that was later lifted.

The second earthquake was a preliminary 6.9 magnitude and struck near Manay in Davao Oriental province. Teresito Bacolcol, head of the Philippine Institute of Seismology and Volcanology, noted it was likely related to the same fault line in the Philippine Trench. However, it wasn’t clear if it was an aftershock or its own quake.

In response, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is assessing the damage and preparing rescue operations. The region has faced multiple natural disasters recently, including a deadly quake and severe storms.

The first quake was felt strongly at sea, about 43 kilometers east of Manay. It also caused tragic deaths, with two patients in a hospital suffering heart attacks and another individual crushed by debris in Mati city. In Pantukan town, army troops and volunteers rescued villagers caught in a landslide triggered by the first quake.

Damage assessments show cracks in several buildings, yet the international airport in Davao city remains operational. Jun Saavedra, a local disaster officer, recounted how he felt the earth shake while driving, as people rushed outside in fear.

Social media buzzed with reactions as schoolchildren evacuated in Davao city, the largest nearby urban area. This city, with a population of about 5.4 million, is roughly 250 kilometers from the epicenter of the quakes.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center had initially detected small waves, but the threat passed without major incidents. In nearby Indonesia, small tsunami waves were observed, but they posed no serious danger.

The Philippines faces ongoing challenges from natural events. In a recent quake on September 30, a 6.9 magnitude earthquake claimed 74 lives and displaced thousands, particularly in Cebu. The nation, located in a disaster-prone region, also experiences roughly 20 typhoons annually, highlighting the need for effective disaster response and recovery systems.

As the country braces for recovery from these latest seismic shocks, the resilience of the Filipino people shines through, with communities rallying together to support one another during tough times.

For more detailed updates on recent seismic activities and disaster responses, consider visiting reputable sources like the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

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General news, Earthquakes, Science, World news, Article, 126385978