Manila, Philippines, October 11, 2025 – A powerful earthquake struck off the coast of Davao Oriental, Mindanao, in southern Philippines at 9:43 AM (PST) on October 10, 2025. Authorities issued a tsunami warning and urged precautionary coastal evacuations; the warning was later lifted after minor sea-level changes were recorded. Today’s quake comes just over a week after a destructive tremor near Cebu, a major island in the central Visayas region, and follows two powerful tropical cyclones, Nando (international name: Ragasa) and Opong (Bualoi), which battered parts of the country. These events underscore how frequently hazards strike the country and how quickly communities must pivot from one emergency to the next.
“When disasters strike in rapid succession, it is always the most vulnerable who struggle to recover—and too often, that means women and girls. Our focus is listening to communities, responding to what they say they need, and standing behind local responders—especially women leaders—who are already protecting and rebuilding lives in last-mile areas. This is how we ensure that humanitarian aid doesn’t just arrive, but reaches those who need it most, safely and with dignity.” — Reiza S. Dejito, Country Director, CARE Philippines.
According to initial updates from partners, shaking was felt widely across Mindanao. In Tagum City, lights and electric fans reportedly fell at a university as students evacuated. In Maragusan, residents described the ground as “jumping.” Kidapawan City experienced a temporary power interruption. In Tarragona, cracks were observed in some structures, and several coastal villages began evacuations after the tsunami warning.
With partners in the EU Humanitarian Aid-funded ACCESS Project led by CARE, as well as the Humanitarian Partnership Platform, CARE Philippines is launching needs assessments in hard-hit and hard-to-reach areas, coordinating with local authorities to prioritize the efficient delivery of lifesaving assistance. Prepositioned supplies are being mobilized and response plans are underway.
“Our teams and partners are launching coordinated assessments, working with local disaster risk reduction authorities and community organizations in the most affected areas. We will check damage to water points, shelters, and livelihoods. With aftershocks expected, we are prioritizing protection, clear information, and coordination so aid reaches those most in need as quickly and as safely as possible.” — Jessan Catre, Humanitarian, Disaster Resilience, and Peacebuilding Coordinator, CARE Philippines.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) placed the epicenter offshore Davao Oriental and reported strong shaking across Davao Region and neighboring provinces. A tsunami warning was issued for several coastal provinces and later cancelled after a small sea-level change (~30 cm) was detected at Tandag, Surigao del Sur.
Note to Editors:
CARE has provided humanitarian and development support in the Philippines since 1949. As one of the most disaster-prone countries globally, the Philippines faces significant challenges, and CARE remains at the forefront of delivering life-saving support to communities most in need. According to the World Risk Index report, the Philippines has been ranked as the country most at risk for disasters for four consecutive years. This context underscores the critical importance of CARE’s work in humanitarian action, disaster preparedness, and strengthening local capacity.
For media inquiries, please email: usa.media@care.org or contact Mary Therese L. Norbe, CARE Philippines Communications Specialist at marytherese.norbe@care.org, contact number: +639199117534.