Post by : Rameen Ariff

A powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck off the southern Philippines on Friday morning, triggering a tsunami warning and sparking panic among residents in coastal areas. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the offshore quake hit near Manay town in Davao Oriental, Mindanao region, at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers. Authorities warned of possible damage and aftershocks following the strong tremor.

Phivolcs immediately issued a tsunami warning, urging people living in coastal areas of central and southern Philippines to evacuate to higher ground or move further inland. The agency said that waves of up to one meter or more above normal tides could reach some coastal areas within the next two hours.

There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries, but officials have started assessing the situation in affected provinces. Residents in Davao Oriental and nearby areas reported intense shaking that lasted several seconds, with people rushing out of homes and buildings for safety.

The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) estimated the earthquake’s magnitude at 7.4 and placed its depth at 58 kilometers. Meanwhile, the U.S. Tsunami Warning System also issued a tsunami threat, saying hazardous waves were possible within 300 kilometers of the earthquake’s epicenter.

Phivolcs cautioned residents to remain alert for aftershocks and potential structural damage in areas near the epicenter. The Philippines, located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, frequently experiences earthquakes and volcanic activity due to its geographical position.

Emergency response units and the Philippine Coast Guard have been placed on high alert to monitor sea levels and provide assistance where needed. Officials have urged citizens to follow official updates and avoid spreading misinformation on social media.

The powerful quake, one of the strongest to hit the region in recent months, has reminded authorities and citizens of the Philippines’ vulnerability to natural disasters. As of now, Phivolcs continues to monitor the situation, and the tsunami warning remains in effect until further notice.

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