SRINAGAR: A powerful earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale struck the southern Mindanao region of the Philippines on Friday, prompting tsunami warnings for coastal areas, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC).
The quake, as per Reuters, occurred at a depth of around 3 kilometres, sent strong tremors across several provinces, including Davao Oriental and Surigao del Sur. Residents reported buildings shaking violently, with many rushing out of their homes and workplaces in panic.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) confirmed the magnitude and issued an advisory urging residents in coastal communities to move to higher ground amid the threat of potentially hazardous tsunami waves. Emergency services have been placed on high alert, and local disaster management teams have begun assessing damage and coordinating possible evacuations.
Initial reports indicated temporary power outages and communication disruptions in some affected areas. Authorities said there were no immediate reports of casualties or major structural damage, though assessments are ongoing.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre also issued an alert for parts of the southern Philippines and neighbouring regions, including eastern Indonesia and Palau, warning of possible sea-level changes.
Earthquakes are common in the Philippines, which lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire” — a zone of high seismic activity where several tectonic plates meet. The latest quake is among the strongest to hit the country this year.
Officials have urged the public to remain calm but vigilant, and to follow safety advisories issued by local authorities as aftershocks are expected to continue over the next few days.
