An offshore earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6 struck off the coast of Davao Oriental, a southern province of the Philippines, early on Friday morning. This seismic event prompted warnings of a potential hazardous tsunami in nearby coastal areas.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the earthquake originated from a shallow fault movement occurring at a depth of 10 kilometers. The epicenter was located about 62 kilometers southeast of Manay town. Authorities have warned residents to expect possible damage and strong aftershocks following the initial tremor.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu indicated that hazardous waves could occur within a radius of 300 kilometers from the epicenter. Some coastal areas in the Philippines may experience waves reaching up to 3 meters above normal tide levels. Smaller tsunami waves are also possible in Indonesia and Palau.
These warnings come as the Philippines is still reeling from a recent magnitude 6.9 earthquake that occurred on September 30, resulting in at least 74 fatalities and the displacement of thousands in the central province of Cebu, primarily affecting Bogo city and surrounding regions.
The Philippines positions itself as one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries, nestled on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, an area known for its frequent seismic and volcanic activity. Additionally, the archipelago endures about 20 typhoons and storms annually, underscoring the importance of disaster preparedness and effective response strategies from government and volunteer organizations alike.
In light of the earthquake and impending tsunami threats, authorities have urged coastal residents to remain alert and follow established evacuation protocols until the tsunami threat subsides. Local government units are on high alert as they prepare for any necessary disaster response actions.