On Friday, a powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale struck Mindanao, Philippines, prompting authorities to issue a warning of a “destructive tsunami” with “life-threatening” wave heights. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) urged immediate evacuation to safer locations.
The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) reported that the quake occurred at a depth of 62 km (38.53 miles) in waters off Manay town in Davao Oriental, Mindanao.
Phivolcs cautioned that the first tsunami waves are expected to arrive between 09:43:54 and 11:43:54 PST on Thursday, warning, “These waves may continue for hours.” The agency further stated, “Based on the local tsunami scenario database, it is expected to experience wave heights of more than one meter above the normal tides and may be higher on enclosed bays and straits.” Phivolcs also highlighted the potential for damage and aftershocks due to the strong offshore quake.
The U.S. Tsunami Warning System issued a tsunami threat alert, noting that hazardous tsunami waves are possible for coasts within 300 km (186 miles) of the earthquake’s epicenter. Phivolcs added that wave heights exceeding one meter above normal tides could occur within the next two hours. No immediate reports of damage were recorded.
This earthquake follows a 6.9-magnitude quake that struck Cebu province in the Philippines the previous week, claiming at least 74 lives and injuring many others. That disaster also caused the collapse of the centuries-old Parish of Saint Peter the Apostle in Bantayan, which was destroyed due to the intensity of the tremors.
Also Read: Powerful 6.9 magnitude earthquake kills 69 in Philippines
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