Staff Reports
Late on Saturday, a powerful earthquake, measuring a preliminary magnitude of 7.6, struck off the coast of Mindanao in the Philippines, raising fears of a potential tsunami disaster in the region. The seismic event, reported by the U.S. Geological Survey to have occurred at a depth of 32 kilometers (20 miles) around 10:37 p.m., sent shockwaves throughout the area, prompting concerns about widespread devastation.
As of now, there have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties. However, experts are cautioning that the situation could escalate, especially considering the warning from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, which anticipates tsunami waves affecting the southern Philippines, as well as parts of Indonesia, Palau, and Malaysia.
??Another Footage, An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 occurred in the Philippines. A Tsunami warning was issued after the earthquake. @Portalcoin
#tsunami #EarthquakePH #earthquakes #Philippines pic.twitter.com/QvWXrgHJdf
— Ravansol ? (@ravansol) December 2, 2023
For those unfamiliar with tsunamis, the National Ocean Service explains that these colossal waves result from underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. They can gain speed as they approach the shore, moving as swiftly as jet planes over deep waters and decelerating only upon reaching shallower areas.
Following the earthquake, Japan's Pacific coastal areas have been placed on high alert, with the Japan Meteorological Agency issuing a warning for a 1-meter tsunami. The agency is urging residents to stay away from coastal zones, emphasizing the potential for increasing wave heights and repeated tsunami occurrences.
Teresita Balcol, a prominent figure at the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, is calling for immediate evacuations in the coastal areas of southern Surigao del Sur and Davao Oriental, expressing concerns about the potential impact of a 1-meter tsunami. She underscores that enclosed coves, bays, and straits could face even higher waves, intensifying the urgency for safety measures.
This recent earthquake and its potential aftermath recall a similar incident in May when a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in the Pacific triggered concerns of a catastrophic tsunami. These events serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictable forces of nature, emphasizing the importance for communities to remain vigilant and prepared for such occurrences.
