PHIVOLCS cancels tsunami warning in Mindanao after intense earthquake
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has lifted the tsunami warning in Mindanao after a powerful earthquake jolted several parts of the area on June 8.
Earlier, after the 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Sarangani, PHIVOLCS issued an immediate tsunami warning for coastal communities across Sarangani, Basilan, Davao Occidental, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay.
Between 7:45 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., PHIVOLCS sea level monitoring stations detected tsunami waves in several areas, including Kiamba in Sarangani (1.48 meters), Kalamansig in Sultan Kudarat (0.84 meters), and Maasim in Sarangani (0.48 meters), along with smaller wave activity in Zamboanga City, Mati City, and Tandag City.
In an advisory, the agency stated that while it continued to record sea level disturbances after a two-hour observation period, these were now only minor and that the wave heights were "too small to cause damage."
"In view of these observations, DOST-PHIVOLCS has now canceled the Tsunami Warning issued for this earthquake event," they said.
They noted that this will be the final tsunami information issued for this event.
PHIVOLCS advised that in the event of strongly felt aftershocks, coastal communities should recognize the natural signs of an impending local tsunami.
"These include 'shake,' a strong earthquake, 'drop', the sudden rise or fall of seawater, and 'roar,' the sound of incoming waves. If any of these signs are observed, immediately evacuate to higher ground for safety," it said.
According to the agency, the 7.8 quake hit Sarangani at 7:37 a.m. at a depth of 10 kilometers.
At least 19 casualties have been recorded, according to the Office of Civil Defense.