An offshore earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale hit the coast of Davao Oriental, a southern province of the Philippines, early Friday morning. The quake prompted officials to issue a tsunami warning due to the risk of hazardous waves affecting coastal areas.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that the earthquake’s epicenter was located approximately 62 kilometres southeast of Manay town at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres. Authorities have alerted the public about the possibility of significant aftershocks and damage in the region.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center based in Honolulu indicated that waves could rise up to 3 metres above normal tide levels within a 300-kilometre radius of the epicentre. Additionally, smaller tsunami waves may impact nearby regions, including Indonesia and Palau.
This quake comes less than a month after a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck the central province of Cebu on September 30, claiming at least 74 lives and displacing thousands, particularly in Bogo City and its surrounding areas.
The Philippines, known for being one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries, lies within the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, which is notorious for frequent seismic and volcanic activity. Each year, the country faces about 20 typhoons and storms, emphasizing the critical need for robust disaster preparedness and response systems.
In light of the recent tremor, local authorities have urged residents living along the coast to remain vigilant and adhere to evacuation protocols until the tsunami threat is officially lifted. The government’s focus remains on ensuring public safety and minimizing potential loss.
