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 event prompted urgent warnings of a potential hazardous tsunami in surrounding areas.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the earthquake resulted from a shallow fault movement at a depth of 10 kilometres. The quake’s epicentre was located approximately 62 kilometres southeast of Manay town. In the aftermath, authorities cautioned residents about possible structural damage and strong aftershocks.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu reported that hazardous waves could affect regions within 300 kilometres of the epicentre. Some coastal areas of the Philippines might see wave heights reaching 3 metres above normal tide levels. Additionally, smaller tsunami waves are possible in Indonesia and Palau.
The Philippines has a recent history of seismic events, still recovering from a magnitude 6.9 earthquake on September 30. That earthquake tragically claimed at least 74 lives and displaced thousands in the central province of Cebu, particularly affecting Bogo city and nearby municipalities.
Located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, the Philippines is among the world’s most disaster-prone countries. The region experiences frequent seismic activity and is also vulnerable to nearly 20 typhoons and storms each year. This reality makes disaster preparedness and response an ongoing responsibility for both government authorities and volunteer organizations.
In light of the recent earthquake, authorities have urged residents living near the coast to remain vigilant. They must adhere to evacuation protocols and stay informed as the tsunami threat continues. Evacuation drills and preparedness plans are crucial in mitigating the impact of such natural disasters.
Natural disasters can strike at any moment, and the Philippine government emphasizes the importance of community resilience. Local governments, NGOs, and international organizations are continuously enhancing their disaster response strategies to minimize the effects of future earthquakes and tsunamis.
