A strong magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck offshore Davao Oriental at 9:43 a.m. Thursday, triggering a tsunami warning from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
Phivolcs warned that “a destructive tsunami is expected with life-threatening wave heights,” urging residents in coastal communities to move to higher ground or evacuate farther inland.
The tectonic quake, which occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, was located southeast of Davao Oriental at coordinates 07.07°N, 127.06°E. Based on tsunami scenario models, waves exceeding one meter above normal tide levels are anticipated, particularly in enclosed bays and straits.
The agency said the first tsunami waves could hit between 9:43 a.m. and 11:43 a.m., with activity possibly continuing for several hours.
Residents and local authorities in Eastern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Davao Oriental were advised to take immediate precautions. Boat owners were also told to secure their vessels or stay in deep waters until the warning is lifted.
The Philippines sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it one of the world’s most disaster-prone regions due to frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.
