Strong 7.4-Magnitude Earthquake Causes Damage and Evacuations in Southern Philippines

October 10, 2025 – Davao City, Philippines — World Vision Philippines expresses deep concern for the safety and welfare of more than a million children in Mindanao (Southern Philippines) following a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Davao Oriental at 9:43 AM today. 

The tremor was strongly felt across neighbouring regions, including Northern Mindanao and the provinces of Lanao and Misamis.

This comes after more than a week of strong earthquakes that have also shaken parts of the central Philippines. Aftershocks continue to be reported, and the tsunami warning has been lifted for coastal areas in Mindanao.

Power outages and the suspension of work and classes were also reported in several areas of the Davao Region as families stayed outdoors for safety.

“Our staff are safe, though we felt dizzy because the shaking was very strong and lasted long. As of now, we are closely monitoring the situation, especially the status of children in World Vision-assisted communities,” said Elizabeth Delgado, World Vision Philippines Mindanao Field Operations Manager. 

Across Mindanao, there are more than 73,000 children under the World Vision sponsorship program whose safety and well-being are closely being monitored. In one of the World Vision-assisted communities in Davao City, many families felt the strong shaking and stayed outside their homes for safety.

Noel Peligrino, a World Vision staff member currently in Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental, shared, “At the school where my kids are studying, most of the students were crying. But thank God, only a few fainted from fear.”

World Vision teams are currently coordinating with local authorities and community partners to assess the immediate needs of affected children and families, while preparing to mobilise emergency response and assistance as needed.

“I extend my personal prayers and deep appreciation to our response teams and partners on the ground,” said Dr. Herbert Carpio, National Director of World Vision Philippines. “Despite facing the same risks, they continue to serve with courage and compassion. I pray for their safety and strength.”

Currently, World Vision is responding to the recent Cebu earthquake by providing lifesaving essentials and establishing Child Friendly Spaces in the hardest-hit areas of Northern Cebu.

Josephine Solon, a World Vision staff member in Cebu, shared that children there are now praying for their peers in Mindanao. “Children are praying for comfort and protection—that the earthquake will not cause lasting harm to families, especially the youngest ones. They hope that no child will be traumatised, and that everyone will remain safe.”

The Philippines has recently endured back-to-back typhoons and a powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake in Cebu, underscoring the country’s extreme vulnerability to natural hazards. According to the 2025 World Risk Index, the Philippines ranks number one globally in overall disaster risk.

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For updates and ways to help, visit World Vision Philippines’ official Facebook and Instagram pages or go to www.worldvision.org.ph.

For media interviews, contact:

Lei Kimmayong, World Vision Communications Manager,

Email: lei_kimmayong@wvi.org, Mobile: +639499964619