Tsunami warning passes after 7.4 magnitude earthquake rocks southern Philippines
A magnitude 7.4 earthquake has rattled a nation of 115 million, prompting a tsunami warning and mass evacuations across the country.
A shallow magnitude 7.4 earthquake has rattled the southern Philippines, prompting a tsunami warning and mass evacuations across the nation’s coastal communities.
The Philippine Seismology Agency confirmed the quake hit Mindanao on Friday, roughly 10km below the earth’s surface. Authorities have warned of potential damage and aftershocks in the hours ahead.
Local officials confirmed one woman had died in Mati city after being hit by falling debris.
Officials also warned of a destructive tsunami with “life-threatening wave heights”, with authorities urging residents in coastal towns across central and southern Philippines to move to higher ground immediately after the tremor.
Images filtered through of locals gathering in the streets away from schools, hospitals and shopping malls following the tremors.
Tsunami warnings were also issued in Indonesia’s northern Sulawesi and Papua regions over 300km away from the epicentre.
Authorities have urged people to “remain calm and avoid spreading or believing unverified information”.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre confirmed the initial tsunami threat had passed in the hours following the initial quake.
Local seismologists recorded multiple aftershocks, including tremors between 5.6 and 6.0 magnitude, in the hour after the initial earthquake.
“Stay away from buildings that are cracked or damaged due to the quake,” the nation’s Meterology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency said in a statement.
“Inspect and ensure that your home is structurally sound and free from earthquake-induced damage before re-entering.”
Australia’s SmartTraveller also issued a warning for Aussies currently the Philippines.
“If you’re in the affected area, move inland or to higher ground,” SmartTraveller wrote in a statement. “If there’s an evacuation warning, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor media for updates (see ‘Safety’).
Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos said the government was currently working “round the clock” to address the disaster.
“We are now assessing the situation on the ground and ensuring that everyone is safe. … Search, rescue, and relief operations are already being prepared and will be deployed as soon as it is safe to do so,” he said.
“Let us continue to look out for one another and pray for the safety of all our countrymen.”
In the southern Philippine province of Davao Oriental, local governor Edwin Jubahib says people were whisked into a frenzy when the quake began.
“Some buildings were reported to have been damaged,” he told local broadcaster DZMM. “It was very strong”.
One emergency responder told the BBC that she still feels disoriented after the quake, saying it lasted for nearly a minute.
“I am still scared and shook. We couldn’t believe how strong the earthquake was. This was the first time I have experienced that,” Richie Diuyen said.
The nation has barely recovered from its most recent tragedy where least 72 people died after a 6.9 earthquake hit the nation’s centre.
More to come.
Originally published as Tsunami warning passes after 7.4 magnitude earthquake rocks southern Philippines
