A powerful earthquake struck the Philippines

Photo: depositphotos

Two strong earthquakes, one of which measured 7.4, killed at least seven people. Cities near the quakes suffered millions of dollars in structural damage.

The epicenter of the first earthquake was in Davao Oriental province near the city of Manay. A tsunami warning was in place for the coast 300 kilometers from the epicenter. Fortunately, all warnings were later canceled.

A second earthquake struck the same area just seven hours later, with the main tremor measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale. This earthquake also raised concerns about a smaller tsunami, which could be a meter higher than normal tides.

All citizens living near the coast were warned to move to higher ground. Both earthquakes struck along a massive trench off the country's east coast. Officials said the first reports of damage appeared shortly after the tremors. Homes, buildings and bridges were the most affected, with many of the walls cracking. The full extent of the damage is not yet known.

The twin earthquakes were among the strongest in recent years, despite the region experiencing around 800 earthquakes a year. Two weeks ago, the Philippines was hit by its strongest tremors in a decade, killing 74 people.

Disaster officials said the quake lasted about half a minute and left cracked roads and church facades. The first quake struck at a depth of 23 kilometers and the second at a depth of less than 40 kilometers.

Source: Reuters, Editorial Weathersunshine.com