PEOPLE FROM DOWN south who have survived the magnitude 7.4 earthquake remain under threat following a magnitude 6.8 tremor last night, even as the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), raised a tsunami warning hours after lifting one.
According to Phivolcs, the earthquake, with a depth of 10 kilometers, jolted Manay town in Davao Oriental at 7:12 pm.
Intensity IV (moderately strong) was felt in Davao City; Bislig City, Surigao del Sur; Magpet, Cotabato; Digos City, Davao del Sur; Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental; Nabunturan, Davao de Oro; Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental; Malungon and Alabel, Sarangani; Tupi, South Cotabato; and Hinunangan, Southern Leyte.
As a preemptive measure, Phivolcs – for the second time in less than 24 hours – hoisted a tsunami warning.
“Based on the local tsunami scenario database, it is expected to experience wave heights of more than one meter above the normal tides and may be higher on enclosed bays and straits.”
“Destructive tsunami is expected with life threatening wave heights,” warned Phivolcs in its forecast on high waves which may persist for hours.
Residents in the coastal areas of Surigao Del Sur, Davao Oriental, Surigao Del Norte were “strongly advised” to immediately evacuate to higher grounds or move farther inland.
Government experts also urged owners of boats in harbors, estuaries or shallow coastal waters in all three identified provinces to secure boats and move away from the waterfront.
Boatmen who have already sailed the sea were advised to stay offshore in deep waters until further advised.
