Tsunami warning issued after Magnitude 7.8 quake in Sarangani
A tsunami warning has been issued after a Magnitude 7.8 quake struck Sarangani on Monday, June 8.
The quake jolted Maasim, Sarangani at 7:37 a.m. at a depth of 10 kilometers, per Phivolcs. A tsunami warning was raised shortly after, with the agency saying it's forecasted that the first tsunami waves will arrive between 07:37 a.m. and 09:37 a.m. "These waves may continue for hours," it said.
Those in the coastal areas of the following provinces are strongly advised to evacuate immediately:
- Sarangani
- Davao Occidental
- Tawi-tawi
- Sulu
- Basilan
- Zamboanga Del Sur
- Zamboanga Sibugay
- Sultan Kudarat
- South Cotabato
"Owners of boats in harbors, estuaries, or shallow coastal water of the above-mentioned provinces should secure their boats and move away from the waterfront. Boats already at sea during this period should stay offshore in deep waters until further advised," it said.
In a notice, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said that tsunami waves may also hit the coasts of other countries like Indonesia, Palau, Taiwan, and Papua New Guinea within the next three hours.
A tsunami advisory has also been issued by authorities in Japan, forecasting waves of up to one meter or three feet in different regions from 11:30 a.m. local time.
Marcos to Filipinos in affected areas: 'Heed the tsunami warning'
In a statement shared on Facebook, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said he has ordered government agencies "to act immediately" following the quake.
"The Office of Civil Defense and the NDRRMC are now coordinating disaster response and monitoring across all affected areas. The DSWD has been directed to pre-position relief goods and ensure that evacuation centers are ready and operational. The DPWH is on standby to assess damage to roads, bridges, and critical infrastructure, and to clear routes needed for rescue and relief operations," he said.
Marcos has also ordered class suspensions in all levels across affected areas in Mindanao until further notice. "The safety of our children comes first. DepEd will coordinate with local government units on this."
"To our kababayans in the affected provinces, please heed the tsunami warning. Move to higher ground now. Do not wait. Your life is more important than anything left behind," he added. "The national government is moving, and we will not leave Mindanao behind. I am in constant communication with our regional offices and local chief executives on the ground."
Note: This is a developing story.
