A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Mindanao, Philippines, triggering a tsunami warning and fears of aftershocks. Know the affected areas, government alerts, and safety updates here on News Heaven.
A massive earthquake strikes the Philippines’ Mindanao region.
A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake rattled the southern Philippines on Thursday morning, striking off the coast of Mindanao and prompting an immediate tsunami warning across several coastal provinces.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the quake occurred at a depth of 62 kilometers beneath the seabed near Manay town in Davao Oriental.
Tsunami Warning Issued—Coastal Residents Told to Evacuate
Following the tremor, Phivolcs issued an urgent tsunami advisory, warning that waves up to one meter high or more could impact coastal communities within two hours of the initial quake.
Residents in low-lying areas were urged to move to higher ground immediately and stay away from beaches and waterfronts until authorities declare it safe to return.
The first tsunami waves were expected between 9:43 AM and 11:43 AM (PST). Officials stated that strong currents and unusual wave behavior might persist even after the first waves subside.
Aftershocks Expected, No Major Damage Reported Yet.
Authorities confirmed that aftershocks are likely, urging people to remain cautious and alert.
As of now, there have been no confirmed reports of significant casualties or infrastructure damage, but assessment teams are already on the ground in the Davao Region and neighboring provinces.
Several areas experienced strong shaking, prompting temporary power cuts and building evacuations as safety measures.
Epicenter and Impact Area
The quake’s epicenter was traced to the Philippine Trench, one of the most active seismic zones in the world.
Nearby regions, including Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, and Davao Oriental, experienced intense ground movement that was felt across much of Mindanao.
Phivolcs and Global Agencies Monitoring Situation
The US Geological Survey (USGS) and Phivolcs are jointly monitoring the seismic activity.
Phivolcs Director Dr. Teresito Bacolcol urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, emphasizing the importance of following official advisories rather than relying on social media rumors.
Emergency response units have been placed on high alert, and local governments have activated teams for managing disaster risks in coastal towns.
The Philippines: A Hotspot for Earthquakes
Located along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” the Philippines experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity.
Recently, the country has seen multiple strong earthquakes, highlighting the need for public awareness and preparedness.
Today’s quake serves as another reminder of the unpredictable nature of tectonic movements in the region.
Safety Advice for Residents
Authorities recommend the following precautions:
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Stay away from coastal areas until the all-clear signal is issued.
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Be prepared for aftershocks; stay in open areas if possible.
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Avoid spreading unverified information online.
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Follow instructions from local disaster response officials.
Conclusion
The 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Mindanao has once again shown the urgent need for earthquake readiness in the Philippines.
While no major damage has yet been reported, the tsunami alert and aftershock warnings remain in effect.
Stay tuned with News Heaven for real-time updates, official advisories, and in-depth coverage of this developing story.