(MENAFN) Two major earthquakes rocked the southern Philippines within hours, killing at least eight people and triggering a brief tsunami alert that has since been lifted. Coastal residents were initially urged to evacuate following the first quake, but no significant tsunami waves were detected.

The second quake, measured at magnitude 6.7, struck near the southern Mindanao region at 1112 GMT, approximately 23 kilometers southeast of Santiago City and at a depth of 61.2 kilometers, the US Geological Survey (USGS) reported. This followed a stronger 7.4-magnitude earthquake that hit the same area earlier.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) confirmed the second quake occurred at 7:12 p.m. local time with a magnitude of 6.8 and a depth of 37 kilometers. The agency said, "With this, any effects due to the tsunami warning have largely passed," leading to the cancellation of all tsunami alerts.

Despite the initial tsunami warning, sea levels in Bislig City and Tandag City in Surigao del Sur showed no significant activity.

Tragically, the disaster claimed multiple lives. In Mati City, near the quake's epicenter, a wall collapse killed one person, city disaster official Charlemagne Bagasol told the Inquirer. Additionally, three people died from heart attacks, and another individual was crushed by falling debris in Davao City.

The back-to-back tremors underscore the region's vulnerability to seismic activity and the urgent need for continued vigilance.

MENAFN11102025000045017169ID1110181432