Two powerful earthquakes struck off the southern coast of the Philippines on Friday, causing extensive damage and leaving at least seven people dead, according to local authorities.
The first quake, measuring 7.4 magnitude, hit the waters off Manay town in Davao Oriental province, triggering a tsunami warning for coastal areas within a 300-kilometer (186-mile) radius, according to dw.com
Several hours later, a second quake of magnitude 6.7 shook the same region, intensifying fears of further destruction.
Initial reports indicated widespread damage to homes, buildings, and bridges, particularly in communities near the epicenter.
Among the casualties were three gold miners who died after a mine shaft collapsed in the mountains west of Manay, according to rescue official Kent Simeon from Pantukan town.
In Mati city, one person was killed when a wall collapsed, while two others suffered fatal heart attacks, city disaster official Charlemagne Bagasol told AFP.
Another fatality was reported in Davao City, where a victim was crushed by falling debris, police confirmed.
Authorities warned of aftershocks and advised residents to remain alert.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) later lifted the tsunami warning, saying, “Any effects due to the tsunami warning have largely passed.”
The US Geological Survey and international rescue organizations continue to monitor the situation as emergency teams assess the extent of the damage in the Davao Region and neighboring provinces.
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