An offshore earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6 struck off the coast of Davao Oriental, a southern province of the Philippines, on Friday morning. This seismic event prompted authorities to issue warnings of a potential hazardous tsunami in nearby coastal areas.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the earthquake occurred due to shallow fault movement at a depth of 10 kilometres. The epicentre was located approximately 62 kilometres southeast of Manay town. Officials have cautioned the public about possible damage and strong aftershocks that could follow the initial tremor.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu reported that hazardous waves could occur within 300 kilometres of the epicentre. Some Philippine coastlines may face waves of up to 3 metres above normal tide levels. Individuals in areas like Indonesia and Palau should also be prepared for smaller tsunami waves.
The Philippines is still grappling with the aftermath of a recent magnitude 6.9 earthquake, which struck on September 30. This natural disaster resulted in at least 74 fatalities and left thousands displaced, particularly affecting Bogo City and its surrounding areas in the central province of Cebu.
Known as one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries, the Philippines lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an area notorious for frequent seismic activity. Additionally, the archipelago annually faces about 20 typhoons and storms, highlighting the critical need for effective disaster preparedness and response strategies.
In light of the recent earthquake, authorities have urged coastal residents to remain vigilant and adhere to evacuation protocols until the tsunami threat has clearly subsided. Local governments are mobilizing resources to ensure the safety of those living in at-risk areas, reinforcing the need for community cooperation and disaster readiness.
