Southern Philippines is on high alert following a severe 7.4 magnitude earthquake that jolted Mindanao island. An official tsunami warning has been issued, compelling coastal residents to immediately relocate to safer, elevated locations. The seismic event has raised concerns about potential destructive waves.
The US Tsunami Warning System has alerted coastal areas within 300 km of the earthquake’s origin point. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) also issued its own advisory, confirming the quake occurred offshore near Manay, Davao Oriental.
PHIVOLCS forecasts that the initial tsunami surges could impact Philippine shores between 9:43 a.m. and 11:43 a.m. PST on October 10. These waves may persist for several hours and are expected to reach over a meter in height, with intensified surges anticipated in confined water bodies.
Evacuation advisories are in place for communities along the coasts of central and southern Mindanao. Boat owners are strongly encouraged to secure their vessels and move them away from the coastline. Vessels currently at sea are advised to stay in deep waters until authorities deem it safe to return.
Initial assessments reveal significant damage to infrastructure in Davao Oriental. The national government is actively monitoring the situation and mobilizing resources. Indonesia’s North Sulawesi and Papua regions are also under a tsunami advisory.