Did a Massive 7.6 Magnitude Earthquake Strike the Philippines' Mindanao Region?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Magnitude: 7.6 earthquake in Mindanao.
- Location: Davao Oriental province, Philippines.
- Tsunami Threat: Potential hazardous waves within 300 km.
- Precautions: Evacuate coastal areas.
- Seismic Activity: Frequent due to the Pacific 'Ring of Fire'.
Manila, Oct 10 (NationPress) An offshore earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6 struck the Davao Oriental province in the Mindanao region of the Philippines on Friday morning, as reported by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. The earthquake occurred at 9:43 a.m. local time (0143 GMT) at a depth of 10 kilometers, approximately 62 kilometers east of Manay.
Initial assessments from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) noted the quake's magnitude as 7.4, which was subsequently updated to 7.6 by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.
The institute indicated that tsunami waves could be possible for several hours, and the tectonic activity will likely trigger aftershocks. The US Tsunami Warning System has issued a tsunami threat, indicating that hazardous waves may impact coasts within 300 km (186 miles) of the earthquake's epicenter.
Teresito Bacolcol, the head of Philippine seismology, stated that a tsunami warning would be issued following the quake, which hit about 20 kilometers away from Manay at 9:43 a.m. local time (11:43 a.m. AEST). The forecast predicts one-meter waves along the Pacific coast in the next two hours, urging coastal residents in the affected area to evacuate to higher grounds or move inland. There are currently no reports of damage.
The Philippines experiences frequent seismic activity due to its position along the Pacific 'Ring of Fire'.