The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has cancelled all tsunami warnings after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Surigao del Sur late Sunday night. The earthquake, initially reported as a 6.9 magnitude quake, prompted Phivolcs to issue a tsunami warning for coastal communities in Surigao del Sur and Davao Oriental, leading to the evacuation of residents in these areas.
The earthquake, with a depth of focus of 25 kilometers, occurred around 10:37 p.m. approximately 30 kilometers northeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. According to Phivolcs director Teresito “Toto” Bacolcol, sea level monitoring stations confirmed the occurrence of a tsunami with preliminary wave heights of 0.64 meters in Mawes Island, Hinatuan, 0.18 meters in Lawigan, Bislig City, 0.05 meters in Port of Dapa, Surigao del Norte, and 0.08 meters in Mati, Davao Oriental. The last recorded tsunami wave arrival occurred at 02:52 a.m. (Sunday) at Hinatuan-Bislig Bay Station on Mawes Island.
“This means that the tsunami threat associated with this earthquake has now largely passed the Philippines,” stated Bacolcol. As a result, all tsunami warnings issued for the earthquake event have been cancelled. Bacolcol emphasized that local government units (LGUs) should assess the impact of the tsunami and inform and instruct the coastal population accordingly.
While the threat has diminished, Bacolcol advised people in threatened communities to follow instructions from local officials as they safely resume their normal activities. Those at sea are also advised to follow instructions from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) or appropriate port authorities as they safely return to the coast.
Phivolcs provided an updated report on the earthquake’s intensity levels in various areas. Intensity 7 was felt in the City of Tandag, Surigao del Sur, Intensity 6 in Bislig City, and Intensity 5 in Cagayan de Oro City, Nabunturan, and Davao City.
Other areas that experienced the earthquake include Duero and Garcia Hernandez in Bohol; Mandaue City; Alangalang, City of Baybay, Burauen, Dulag, Hilongos, Jaro, Javier, Julita, La Paz, Macarthur, Mahaplag, Mayorga, Palo, Pastrana, Santa Fe, Tanauan, and Tolosa in Leyte; Tacloban City; Anahawan, Bontoc, Hinunangan, Hinundayan, Liloan, Limasawa, Malitbog, Padre Burgos, San Francisco, San Juan, Silago, and Sogod in Southern Leyte; Alabel and Malungon in Sarangani; Tupi in South Cotabato; and the City of Surigao in Surigao del Norte.
The earthquake was also felt in Tagbilaran City, Bohol; Leyte, Leyte; Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte; Molave, Zamboanga del Sur; San Fernando, Bukidnon; City of Kidapawan, Cotabato; Glan, Kiamba, Maasim, and Malapatan in Sarangani; Banga, and City of Koronadal in South Cotabato; General Santos City; President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat; Datu Odin Sinsuat, and Sultan Kudarat in Maguindanao; and Cotabato City.
Phivolcs also reported that Intensity 2 was felt in Argao, Cebu; Calubian, Leyte; City of Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte; Santo Niño, South Cotabato; Esperanza, and Kalamansig in Sultan Kudarat. Additionally, Intensity 1 was recorded in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.
Instrumental Intensity 5 was recorded in Hinunangan, Southern Leyte; City of Gingoog, Misamis Oriental; Nabunturan, Davao de Oro; and City of Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte. Furthermore, Intensity 4 was felt in Abuyog, Dulag, and Hilongos in Leyte; San Fernando, Bukidnon; City of Digos, and Magsaysay in Davao del Sur; City of Davao; Alabel and Malungon in Sarangani; Tupi in South Cotabato; City of Surigao in Surigao del Norte; and City of Tandag, Surigao del Sur.
Phivolcs also recorded Intensity 3 in Argao, Cebu; Quinapondan, Eastern Samar; Carigara, Javier, and Kananga.
While the cancellation of tsunami warnings brings relief to the affected areas, it is crucial for the local communities to remain vigilant and follow the instructions of local officials and authorities. Phivolcs continues to monitor seismic activities in the region to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents.
Source: The Manila Times
