Key Takeaways
- 7.4 magnitude earthquake kills at least 7 people in southern Philippines
- Second 6.9 magnitude quake strikes same region hours later
- Both tremors linked to movement along the Philippine Trench fault line
- Rescue teams mobilized as damage assessment continues
A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake has struck the southern Philippines, claiming at least seven lives. The quake hit in the morning hours, with a second strong tremor measuring 6.9 magnitude occurring later in the same region.
Teresito Bacolcol, chief of the Philippine Institute of Seismology and Volcanology, confirmed that Friday night’s earthquake that jolted Manay town in Davao Oriental province originated from movement along the Philippine Trench fault line at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles).
Seismologists are still determining whether the second quake was a separate seismic event or a significant aftershock of the initial 7.4 magnitude tremor.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has announced that damage assessment is underway across affected areas, with rescue teams being prepared for deployment to the hardest-hit regions.
