Manila: A powerful offshore earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale struck near a southern Philippine province on Friday morning, prompting warnings of a possible hazardous tsunami in nearby areas.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the quake was centered about 62 kilometers southeast of Manay town in Davao Oriental province and originated from a shallow fault at a depth of 10 kilometers. The agency warned of potential damage and aftershocks following the tremor.
Tsunami waves reaching up to three meters above normal tide levels could hit parts of the Philippine coast close to the epicenter, while smaller waves might affect Indonesia and Palau, PHIVOLCS said.
The quake comes as the country continues to recover from a magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck on September 30, killing at least 74 people and displacing thousands in Cebu province, particularly in Bogo City and nearby towns.
Situated along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” the Philippines is among the world’s most disaster-prone nations, frequently experiencing earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The archipelago also faces around 20 typhoons and storms annually, making disaster preparedness and response a constant challenge for authorities and volunteers alike.
