At least eight people were reported dead following the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Manay, Davao Oriental on Thursday, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
Based on the latest NDRRMC data, the reported number of fatalities remains under validation.
A total of 146 individuals were injured due to the powerful quake, while no one was reported missing.
Because of the tremor, more than 2,000 residents were forced to evacuate to 17 temporary shelters.
Authorities said a total of 74,649 families, or about 91,224 individuals, were affected by the earthquake. At least 1,149 houses were reported damaged.
AFTERSHOCKS RECORDED
Meanwhile, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded nearly 800 aftershocks following the 7.4 magnitude earthquake. Fourteen of these were felt in various parts of the province.
Aside from these aftershocks, several other tremors were also experienced in Manay, Davao Oriental.
On Thursday night, another strong quake with a magnitude of 6.8 struck off the coast of Manay.
By Friday, a magnitude 4.6 tremor was again recorded in the same area.
According to Phivolcs, the frequent shaking in Davao Oriental is caused by the active movement of the Philippine Trench, which lies close to the province.
Experts explained that the Philippine Sea Plate constantly pushes against the Philippine Trench, creating friction that eventually causes it to lock in place.
Once that tension is released, the plate rapidly slips downward — triggering an earthquake.
Phivolcs added that this is not the first time Davao Oriental has experienced strong earthquakes. Between 1885 and 2023, quakes ranging from magnitude 7.1 to 8.3 have been recorded in the area.
Just like other major quakes, scientists say it remains impossible to predict when the next movement along the Philippine Trench will occur.