The Philippines and Indonesia have both released tsunami alerts after a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake today. The tremor originated off the shores of the Mindanao region in the Philippines, according to the national seismology agency. Concerns are high that tsunami waves could surge up to 3m (10ft) above normal levels in some parts of the Philippines, and up to 1m higher in certain areas of Indonesia and Palau.
Reports indicate structural damage in various locations within the province of Davao Oriental in the Philippines, which is still recuperating from a recent 6.9 magnitude earthquake that resulted in casualties and displacement. The affected regions are witnessing chaotic scenes, depicted in images broadcast by state media PTV, showing the hurried evacuation of a hospital in Davao City following the earthquake.
Authorities in the Philippines are urging residents along the coastal regions of impacted provinces to promptly move to higher ground or farther inland as the first tsunami waves could reach the shores imminently and persist for an extended period. The Institute of Volcanology and Seismology in the Philippines has warned of possible damage and aftershocks from the earthquake. The seismic activity, originating from a shallow depth fault movement 62 kilometers (38 miles) southeast of Manay town in Davao Oriental province, may lead to hazardous waves within 300 kilometers (186 miles) of the epicenter, as per the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu.
The Philippines, situated in the volatile Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is no stranger to natural disasters, frequently enduring earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The country is still reeling from a recent 6.9 magnitude earthquake that claimed lives and displaced numerous individuals in Cebu and surrounding areas. Both countries have issued alerts and are closely monitoring the situation following this significant seismic event.