Davao Oriental quakes may be classified as doublet, says PHIVOLCS

PHIVOLCS stated that the recent magnitude 7.4 and 6.8 earthquakes in Davao Oriental might be classified as a 'doublet earthquake,' which involves two closely-timed earthquakes happening nearby with different epicenters and strengths.

The magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck 43 kilometers east of Manay, Davao Oriental, at 9:43 a.m., followed by a magnitude 6.8 earthquake 36 kilometers south of Manay at 7:12 p.m.

PHIVOLCS director Teresito Bacolcol clarified that the second earthquake was not an aftershock but the latter half of a doublet.

As of 9 p.m., PHIVOLCS recorded 498 aftershocks from both earthquake events.

This phenomenon is not unprecedented, with similar doublet earthquakes recorded in 1992 along the Philippine Trench and in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur in 2023.

PHIVOLCS is currently analyzing the earthquake parameters to further characterize the two recent tectonic events.