In the early hours of October 11, 2025, the ground beneath Manay, Davao Oriental, in the southern Philippines, began to tremble with a force that would ripple far beyond its epicenter. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) recorded a massive magnitude 7.4 earthquake, followed closely by a 6.8 aftershock, shaking the region to its core. The devastation was immediate and widespread, with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) confirming at least eight fatalities as of October 13. But the toll would not end there.
According to the NDRRMC, more than 400 people suffered injuries in the aftermath, with 104 individuals still being confirmed by the agency. The situation on the ground was chaotic, as emergency teams rushed to respond to the mounting crisis. Over 136,000 families—amounting to more than 530,000 people—found their lives upended across the Davao and Caraga regions. Many lost their homes, and thousands were forced to seek refuge in evacuation centers, their futures suddenly uncertain.
"We are doing everything we can to help those affected," local officials said, as reported by multiple Philippine news outlets. The government pledged swift assistance, promising that recovery and rebuilding efforts would not lag. But for many, the immediate concern was simply survival.
As if the initial tremors were not enough, Davao Oriental was rocked by a relentless barrage of aftershocks. PHIVOLCS reported nearly 1,200 aftershocks in the days following the main quakes, keeping residents on edge. The fear was palpable, with authorities urging people to stay alert and adhere to disaster preparedness protocols. "Aftershocks are expected to continue in the coming days," officials warned, emphasizing the importance of vigilance.
The destruction was not confined to homes. Critical infrastructure bore the brunt of the seismic assault. In Davao Oriental alone, 32 road sections and seven bridges sustained significant damage, impeding relief operations and isolating communities. The Manay District Hospital, a vital lifeline for the region, suffered major structural damage. Staff and patients had to evacuate, with open spaces hastily converted into makeshift wards. The collapse of houses, schools, and hospitals compounded the tragedy, as families scrambled to salvage what little remained of their possessions.
Communication and power outages swept across affected areas, further complicating rescue and relief operations. In one area, the water supply was interrupted, though authorities managed to restore it after a tense period. The disruption of basic services underscored the vulnerability of communities in the face of natural disasters.
Schools and workplaces ground to a halt in the wake of the earthquakes. As of October 12, class suspensions remained in effect in 163 cities and municipalities, with work suspended in 142 areas. The routine of daily life was replaced by uncertainty and anxiety, as families huddled in evacuation centers, waiting for news and aid.
Meanwhile, the seismic unrest was not limited to Davao Oriental. Cebu, another region in the central Philippines, had suffered its own tragedy just two weeks earlier. A magnitude 6.9 offshore quake had struck, resulting in 74 deaths and more than 11,000 recorded aftershocks. The ground in Cebu continued to shake, a stark reminder of the archipelago’s geological volatility. These twin disasters created a complex challenge for authorities, who had to coordinate relief and recovery efforts across multiple, hard-hit regions.
According to the NDRRMC, the number of displaced people in Davao Oriental and neighboring provinces soared to 49,421 individuals from 7,576 families. Many found themselves in temporary shelters, their lives upended overnight. The Department of Social Welfare and Development reported that thousands remained in evacuation centers, dependent on government and humanitarian aid for their basic needs.
Despite the devastation, stories of resilience and solidarity emerged. Emergency responses were mobilized swiftly, with teams working around the clock to clear roads, deliver medical assistance, and distribute relief goods. Local officials coordinated closely with national agencies to assess the situation and prioritize the most urgent needs. "We are continuing to assess the situation and coordinate relief for affected communities," the NDRRMC stated, highlighting the ongoing nature of the crisis.
The psychological impact of the disaster was profound. With nearly 1,200 aftershocks recorded in Davao Oriental alone since October 11, residents struggled to find a sense of safety. Many spent nights outdoors or in evacuation centers, fearful of returning to damaged homes. The constant threat of further tremors kept everyone on edge, disrupting sleep and daily routines.
Infrastructure damage extended beyond roads and bridges. Schools, hospitals, and other public buildings were also affected, raising concerns about the long-term recovery of essential services. The collapse of the Manay District Hospital was particularly alarming, as it forced the evacuation of patients and staff at a time when medical care was desperately needed. Open spaces became temporary wards, a stark illustration of the challenges faced by healthcare workers in disaster zones.
Relief efforts faced additional hurdles due to communication and power outages. Coordination among agencies was hampered, and the delivery of aid was slowed by damaged roads and bridges. Yet, despite these obstacles, the government remained steadfast in its commitment to help affected populations rebuild. "The government pledges swift assistance and recovery efforts to help the affected populations rebuild and recover from the effects of this devastating natural disaster," officials reiterated, as reported by the NDRRMC.
As of October 13, the full extent of the damage was still being assessed. The number of injured continued to rise, with 104 individuals still being confirmed by the agency. The loss of life, the destruction of homes and infrastructure, and the displacement of thousands painted a grim picture of the disaster’s impact.
Yet, amid the rubble and uncertainty, there were glimmers of hope. The restoration of water supply in one affected area, the rapid mobilization of emergency teams, and the resilience of communities offered a testament to the Filipino spirit in the face of adversity. Class and work suspensions remained in place as a precaution, but plans were already being made for the eventual return to normalcy.
Authorities continued to urge residents to remain vigilant, as aftershocks were expected to persist. The experience of Cebu, with its nearly 12,000 aftershocks following the recent quake, served as a sobering reminder of the unpredictable nature of seismic activity in the Philippines. For now, the focus remained on relief, recovery, and the long road to rebuilding shattered lives and communities.
The events in Davao Oriental and Cebu underscore the urgent need for robust disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure in earthquake-prone regions. As the government and communities work together to recover, the lessons learned from this tragedy will undoubtedly shape future responses to natural disasters across the country.