Sun Oct 12 08:20:00 UTC 2025: **Philippines and Indonesia Breathe Sigh of Relief as Tsunami Threat Passes After Major Earthquake**
**Manila, Philippines** – The threat of a tsunami has subsided in the Philippines and Indonesia following a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Mindanao in the Philippines early Friday. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center had initially warned of waves reaching up to 3 meters (10 feet) in the Philippines and 1 meter in Indonesia and Palau, prompting widespread evacuations and heightened alert.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged residents in coastal provinces to evacuate to higher ground. In Davao City, near the epicenter, chaotic scenes unfolded outside a hospital as people fled in fear.
While the initial quake caused significant alarm and some structural damage, particularly in the Davao region where authorities activated the highest level of disaster response, no major widespread destruction has been reported. A 54-year-old woman in Mati City tragically died after a fence from an electrical building collapsed on her.
Indonesian authorities also issued tsunami warnings for northern Sulawesi and Papua regions. Minor tsunami waves, peaking at 17cm (6 inches), were recorded in the Talaud Islands off the coast of Indonesia, prompting residents to remain vigilant and schools to send children home.
The Philippines, located on the seismically active “Ring of Fire,” is particularly vulnerable to earthquakes and tsunamis. Dr. Teresito Bacolol of the Philippine Volcanic Agency urged Filipinos to prepare for such events instead of panicking.
The United Nations stands ready to assist the Philippines if needed. The UN team is assessing the situation and will coordinate with relevant government agencies.
As of Friday afternoon, the tsunami alert has been lifted. Residents are urged to remain cautious as a series of aftershocks continue to ripple through the region. The focus now shifts to assessing the full extent of the damage and providing support to those affected.
First Piper 