The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised a tsunami warning for several coastal provinces in Mindanao after a powerful magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck offshore Sarangani on Monday morning, June 8.
The tectonic tremor, which occurred at 7:37 a.m., is expected to generate tsunami waves exceeding one meter above normal tide levels, according to the state seismology agency’s local tsunami scenario database.
PHIVOLCS noted that wave heights could escalate further within enclosed bays, straits, and shallow coastal zones where geographical features amplify tsunami wave effects.
The initial wave surges are projected to arrive within a two-hour window between 7:37 a.m. and 9:37 a.m., with hazardous wave activity potentially persisting for several hours. The current tsunami warning covers the provinces of Sarangani, Davao Occidental, Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, Basilan, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Sultan Kudarat, and South Cotabato.
”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.”
”The people in the coastal areas of the following provinces are STRONGLY ADVISED TO IMMEDIATELY EVACUATE to higher grounds or move farther inland.”
In line with the warning, residents in affected coastal communities have been urgently advised to seek immediate evacuation to higher ground or move deeper inland. Boat owners with vessels docked in harbors, estuaries, and shallow waterfronts were instructed to secure their crafts and clear the shoreline immediately, while ships already navigating deep offshore waters were advised to remain at sea until further notice.
PHIVOLCS urged local government units (LGUs) and disaster risk reduction and management councils to initiate appropriate emergency actions and continuously track official government updates.