Davao city: The public is advised to take precautions against possible strong aftershocks from the magnitude 7.4 offshore earthquake that jolted Davao Oriental on Friday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Director Teresito Bacolcol, in an interview over PTV, stated that the highest aftershock magnitude recorded was 5.8. He urged the public to practice the duck, cover, and hold technique during earthquakes and to evacuate buildings immediately after a strong quake stops. Bacolcol emphasized that structurally compromised buildings should not be occupied.

Bacolcol explained that aftershocks could reach up to one magnitude less than the main shock, with the strongest possible aftershock of the Davao quake being magnitude 6.4. He noted that the Davao Oriental quake was generated by the Philippine Trench, highlighting that earthquakes are a normal occurrence due to active faults and trenches. He referenced a magnitude 7.4 earthquake in Surigao del Sur in December 2023 and clarified that the Davao Oriental quake is not connected to recent strong earthquakes, such as the one in Cebu on September 30.

Meanwhile, Bacolcol reported that the damage from the Davao Oriental quake was minimal because the quake was offshore, and no destructive tsunami was reported. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) confirmed that no major damage was sustained at the airports under its jurisdiction, and all facilities remain operational. However, minor cracks were observed in the logistics building of Dipolog Airport, prompting CAAP to conduct an inspection to ensure structural integrity and passenger safety.

Two flights bound for Davao were diverted due to the earthquake. Flight GAP2813 was rerouted to Cebu, and flight CEB963 was redirected to General Santos, as reported by CAAP.