The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) has declared that the threat of a tsunami has passed for the Philippines, Indonesia, and the island nation of Palau following a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of the southern Philippines.

The quake, centered approximately 120 kilometers east of Davao City, occurred at a depth of 35 kilometers, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), rattling communities across the region.

Earlier, the PTWC had issued warnings of potential tsunami waves reaching up to 3 meters (10 feet) above tide level along parts of the Philippine coast, with waves of up to 1 meter expected in Indonesia and Palau. The warnings prompted swift action from local authorities. In the Philippines, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered evacuations in several coastal provinces, urging residents to move to higher ground. “We are taking no chances with the safety of our people,” Marcos said in a televised address.

In Indonesia, officials reported no immediate damage or casualties, with the country’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) confirming that the tsunami risk had subsided. Similarly, Palau’s authorities reported no significant impacts, though coastal communities remained on high alert for several hours.

The earthquake caused widespread panic in Davao City, near the quake’s epicenter, with local media publishing images of chaotic scenes outside hospitals as residents sought safety. Social media posts from the region showed minor structural damage, including cracked walls and fallen debris in some buildings, though no major collapses were reported. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) noted that aftershocks continued to be felt in the hours following the main quake but were not expected to cause significant damage.

The Philippines, situated on the geologically active “Ring of Fire,” is no stranger to natural disasters. This tectonic hotspot, encircling the Pacific Ocean, is responsible for frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity in the region. Phivolcs has reminded residents to remain vigilant, as aftershocks could persist for days.

As of late Friday, no fatalities have been reported, and emergency response teams are assessing the affected areas for any unreported damage. President Marcos has assured the public that relief efforts are in place, with local governments coordinating to provide aid to displaced residents. “We are grateful that the worst has been avoided, but we must continue to prioritize preparedness,” he said.

The PTWC and regional agencies continue to monitor the situation, urging coastal communities to stay informed in case of further seismic activity. For now, the region breathes a sigh of relief as the immediate danger subsides. (ILKHA)