An offshore earthquake measuring 7.6 magnitude struck the coast of Davao Oriental, a province in the southern Philippines, on Friday morning. This incident led authorities to issue a tsunami warning, cautioning residents in nearby areas about potential hazardous waves.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the earthquake occurred due to a shallow fault movement, with its epicenter located roughly 62 kilometres southeast of Manay town at a depth of only 10 kilometres. Authorities anticipate possible damage and strong aftershocks following this quake.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, based in Honolulu, indicated that it expects hazardous tsunami waves could reach up to 300 kilometres of the epicentre. Coastal areas in the Philippines may experience waves soaring as high as 3 metres above normal tide levels. Moreover, smaller tsunami waves might impact neighboring countries like Indonesia and Palau.
This earthquake comes on the heels of a magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck the region on September 30, resulting in the loss of at least 74 lives and the displacement of thousands in central provinces, particularly in areas like Bogo City in Cebu.
Recognized as one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries, the Philippines lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, an area notorious for its seismic activity. The archipelago faces around 20 typhoons and storms annually, which emphasizes the need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and response strategies by both government and volunteer organizations.
Authorities have mobilized teams to assess the damage caused by the earthquake and provide immediate assistance. They have urged coastal residents to remain vigilant and adhere to evacuation protocols until the tsunami threat is declared over. The community’s safety is paramount as the region braces for possible aftershocks in the coming days.
Experts continue to monitor the situation closely, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The Philippine government assures the public that they are taking all necessary precautions to manage this natural disaster effectively.
