A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake centered off the coast of Mindanao, Philippines, has triggered widespread tsunami alerts and evacuation orders. The strong tremor caused significant shaking and prompted immediate action to protect communities in low-lying coastal areas.
Authorities, including the US Tsunami Warning System and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), have issued warnings for potential dangerous tsunami waves. The threat extends to coastlines within 300 km of the quake’s offshore epicenter near Manay, Davao Oriental.
PHIVOLCS projects that initial tsunami waves might reach the Philippines between 9:43 a.m. and 11:43 a.m. PST on October 10. These waves could surpass one meter in height and may continue for several hours, with greater intensity in enclosed coastal areas.
Residents along the central and southern Philippine coast are urged to move to higher ground. The maritime community has also received directives: boat owners should secure their craft and move them away from the shore, and vessels at sea should remain in deep waters until official safety declarations are made.
Infrastructure damage has been reported in Davao Oriental. Emergency response teams are actively assessing the situation and coordinating relief efforts. Indonesia’s North Sulawesi and Papua regions are also under a tsunami advisory.