Deadly Philippines Earthquake: Seabed Lifted Up to 2 Metres, Pope Prays for Victims

The quake’s epicenter was located 120 kilometers off the coast of Mindanao, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The seismic activity was felt across multiple regions, including the cities of Davao and Cagayan de Oro, where buildings sustained cracks and power outages were reported. The Guardian cited geologists who stated the quake “unexpectedly raised the seabed by up to two meters,” altering coastal geography and extending shorelines for hundreds of meters.

Similar reports emerged from thestar.com.my, which noted that the seabed displacement “could affect marine ecosystems and local fishing industries.” The Philippine Daily Inquirer added that the event has prompted renewed discussions about the country’s vulnerability to tectonic activity, given its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire.

In a public statement released by Vatican News, Pope Leo XIV prayed for the victims and their families, describing the disaster as a “test of resilience and solidarity.” The Vatican emphasized the Pope’s “deep sorrow” over the human toll, while also acknowledging the “spiritual strength of the Filipino people.”

The statement did not include direct commentary on the geological aspects of the quake but framed the event within broader religious themes. A spokeswoman for the Vatican’s office of public affairs told Reuters, “The Holy Father’s prayers are a reminder of the Church’s commitment to supporting communities in times of crisis.”

The Philippine government has deployed emergency responders to affected areas, with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) coordinating relief operations. The agency reported that over 5,000 families were displaced, and temporary shelters have been established in evacuation centers.

Local media outlets, including Yahoo News Canada, highlighted concerns about potential secondary hazards, such as landslides and aftershocks. PHIVOLCS has advised residents to remain cautious, noting that “additional seismic activity cannot be ruled out.”

The 2026 quake marks the latest in a series of significant seismic events to impact the Philippines. In 2013, a 7.1-magnitude earthquake in Bohol killed over 200 people and destroyed hundreds of buildings. The current event has reignited debates about infrastructure resilience, with some experts calling for stricter building codes in high-risk zones.

Thestar.com.my reported that the seabed displacement observed this week is “uncommon but not unprecedented,” citing a 2005 quake that caused similar geological shifts. However, scientists caution that the full ecological and economic implications of the 2026 event remain unclear.

The European Union and the United States have expressed solidarity with the Philippines, with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) pledging $5 million in emergency aid. The Red Cross has also mobilized resources, including medical supplies and water purification systems, to support affected communities.

In a statement, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) noted that “the Philippines’ exposure to natural disasters necessitates sustained international cooperation.” OCHA added that the country has received over $2 billion in disaster relief funding since 2010.

Residents in affected areas described the quake as “devastating but not entirely unexpected.” Maria Lopez, a fisher from Davao, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer, “We’ve felt tremors before, but this was different. The sea seemed to pull back before the waves came.”

Community leaders have called for increased investment in early warning systems, with one official stating, “We need better preparedness to protect lives and livelihoods.”

PHIVOLCS continues to monitor seismic activity in the region, with officials urging the public to stay informed through official channels. The agency has also launched a public awareness campaign to educate residents on earthquake safety protocols.

As recovery efforts progress, the focus remains on addressing immediate needs while planning for long-term resilience. The Vatican’s statement concluded with a call for “hope and unity,” reflecting the broader global response to the crisis.