Evacuations are currently underway in the Philippines following a significant earthquake with a magnitude of at least 7.5 that struck the southern region of Mindanao on Saturday. The powerful quake triggered tsunami warnings in both the Philippines and Japan. However, despite initial concerns, the U.S. Tsunami Warning System later confirmed that the risk of large waves had passed.
While there have been no reports of significant wave damage or casualties so far, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has maintained that the risk of a tsunami remains. Phivolcs has urged people living near the coast of Surigao Del Sur and Davao Oriental provinces to immediately evacuate or move further inland. Additionally, boats that were already at sea during the earthquake should remain offshore in deep waters until further advised. It is worth noting that these provinces are predominantly rural and have a lower population density compared to other parts of the Philippines.
Phivolcs initially anticipated no damage from the tremor, but later adjusted their prediction and warned of potential aftershocks. Within a short period, the region was hit by more than two dozen aftershocks, with the largest measuring a magnitude of 6.5, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre. Raymark Gentallan, the police chief of Hinatuan, a coastal town located 30 km from the earthquake's epicenter with a population of approximately 44,000, informed that power had been cut since the quake occurred. Evacuation efforts are underway in coastal areas, and as of now, there have been no reported casualties or extensive damages.
Local residents have shared their experiences, with James Soria, the owner of a small hotel in Hinatuan, reporting significant damage to his home. However, as another aftershock hit the area, the call was disconnected, leaving the situation unclear. Social media posts from the local administration of Hinatuan displayed scores of residents and queues of vehicles moving to higher ground, with a large shelter accommodating several dozen people.
Cosme Calejesan, a resident of Surigao City located 185 km from the epicenter, shared that his house sustained damage but remained intact. Recounting the ordeal, he describes being awakened by the creaking sounds of his cabinets during the tremor. Calejesan expressed his concern for his children and the sudden and abrupt nature of the quake.
The Philippines frequently experiences earthquakes due to its location along the "Ring of Fire," a belt of volcanoes encircling the Pacific Ocean that is prone to seismic activity. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre reported the earthquake's magnitude to be 7.5 with a depth of 63 km (39 miles). In contrast, the U.S. Geological Survey recorded a magnitude of 7.6 with a depth of 32 km (20 miles), stating that it occurred at 10:37 p.m. (1437 GMT). While the situation remains uncertain, authorities are closely monitoring the area and advising caution.