A destructive tsunami is expected following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck offshore Davao Oriental at 9:43 a.m. on Friday, October 10, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) warned.
Based on the agency’s tsunami scenario database, wave heights exceeding one meter above normal tides are anticipated, with potentially higher surges in enclosed bays and straits.
The first waves are forecast to arrive between 9:43 a.m. and 11:43 a.m. and may persist for several hours.
Phivolcs urged residents in coastal areas of Eastern Samar, Dinagat Islands, Davao Oriental, Southern Leyte, Surigao del Norte, Leyte, and Surigao del Sur to evacuate immediately to higher ground or move farther inland.
Boat owners in harbors, estuaries, or shallow coastal waters in the affected provinces were told to secure their vessels or move offshore into deep water.
Phivolcs also warned of possible damage and aftershocks following the earthquake and urged the public to remain vigilant. (Ellalyn Ruiz)
