A series of powerful earthquakes struck the Philippines on October 10, rattling communities across the southern provinces and leaving widespread concern in their wake. The most severe, a 7.6-magnitude earthquake, jolted Davao Oriental early in the morning, followed by another 6.8-magnitude tremor in the same region later in the evening. The twin quakes caused widespread panic and destruction across south Philippines, prompting tsunami warnings and forcing coastal residents to flee to higher ground.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the quakes originated offshore, with the first occurring at 9:43 a.m. and the second at approximately 7:12 p.m. Although the tsunami alert was later lifted, residents reported significant aftershocks and visible damage to homes, roads, and public buildings. Authorities described the back-to-back tremors as “twin quakes” — two strong tremors occurring close in time and location, each capable of compounding the damage caused by the other.
Preliminary reports from local officials confirmed casualties, injuries, and hundreds displaced from coastal towns. Emergency responders quickly mobilized, setting up temporary shelters and conducting rescue operations in affected areas.
The southern earthquakes come just weeks after other tremors shook different parts of the country. On September 30, a 6.9-magnitude earthquake rocked Cebu, killing dozens and injuring hundreds. In northern Luzon, a 4.5-magnitude earthquake recently struck Baguio City, rattling communities still sensitive to seismic events.
In response to this series of calamities, the Seventh-day Adventist Church through the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Philippines, and with the support of local Adventist organizations, has mobilized emergency relief operations in partnership with local government units (LGUs) and disaster response teams. ADRA’s staff and volunteers are working around the clock to assess the situation and deliver immediate aid to affected and displaced individuals and families.
Church leaders from the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) have expressed deep sympathy for the affected communities and have appealed for unified prayer and action across the region. “Our hearts go out to all families affected by these devastating earthquakes,” said Pastor Roger Caderma, SSD president. “We stand with them in prayer and compassion, trusting that God’s presence will bring comfort and hope during this difficult time.”
Adventist Community Services (ACS) teams from affected local congregations are also finding ways to extend assistance to their surrounding communities. Church communication leaders also coordinated information and encouraging members to participate in relief drives and prayer initiatives.
ADRA Philippines Emergency Response Coordinator, Karl Mark Morta reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to provide accurate assessment in able to address much needed help by affected families. “Beyond immediate relief, we are committed to helping communities rebuild their lives and restore their dignity,” he said. “Our mission is to reflect Christ’s compassion by responding to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those who are suffering.”
As aftershocks continue to be felt in the region, the Adventist Church urges everyone to remain vigilant and to continue supporting recovery efforts. Members across the Southern Asia-Pacific Division and around the world are invited to pray for the safety, healing, and resilience of all those affected.
In moments of crisis, the Church’s witness shines through compassionate service and intercessory prayer. The successive earthquakes have once again reminded the Adventist community of its calling to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus—to comfort the broken, uplift the weary, and bring hope amid hardship.