A powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck Mindanao, Philippines, early Friday morning, prompting urgent tsunami warnings and mass evacuations along coastal areas.
According to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), the quake occurred at a depth of 62 km (38.5 miles). Authorities have warned that the tremor could generate ‘destructive’ and ‘life-threatening’ tsunami waves, urging residents near the coast to move to higher ground immediately.
Tsunami Warning and Expected Impact
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said that the first tsunami waves are expected to arrive between 9:43 AM and 11:43 AM (PST) and may continue for several hours.
“Based on local tsunami scenario data, wave heights may exceed one meter above normal tides and could be higher in enclosed bays and straits,” Phivolcs stated.
Residents in central and southern coastal towns have been asked to evacuate to safer areas. The U.S. Tsunami Warning System also confirmed a tsunami threat for regions within 300 km (186 miles) of the quake’s epicenter.
Damage and Aftershocks Reported
Local officials reported early signs of structural damage in Davao Oriental and Davao del Norte. Governor Edwin Jubahib said authorities are assessing the situation. Ednar Dayanghirang from the Office of Civil Defense confirmed that several buildings and a church were damaged.
Phivolcs also cautioned that aftershocks are likely in the coming hours.
Regional Alerts
Neighbouring Indonesia has also issued a tsunami warning for North Sulawesi and Papua regions. The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) predicted waves of up to 50 centimeters (20 inches).
