More than 100,000 people have been affected after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Davao Oriental (Philippines) on October 10

On October 10, a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Davao Oriental province in the Philippines. The quake’s epicenter was near the municipality of Manay. Since then, over 800 aftershocks have been recorded, some surpassing magnitude 6. It is noted that the disaster has affected more than 100,000 people, damaging thousands of homes and displacing entire communities.

Ongoing aftershocks and tsunami alerts have forced many residents to move to higher ground for safety while others have left their homes out of fear of landslides. Furthermore, countless families have lost their homes due to the earthquake. Currently, at least 11,000 people remain displaced—many staying in open areas, along roadsides, or in temporary evacuation centers.

Damage to key infrastructure, i.e. hospitals, schools, and water and power systems, has made it difficult to provide medical services, clean water, and communication. The situation is most critical in the municipalities of Manay, Mati, Cateel, Tarragona, Lupon, and Governor Generoso.