Mindanao Shaken by Major Earthquake, Authorities Monitor Tsunami Risk
MINDANAO – A powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Sarangani on Monday morning, prompting the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) to issue a tsunami warning for several coastal provinces in southern Philippines. The earthquake occurred at around 7:37 a.m. and was later upgraded from its initial magnitude estimate after further assessment. The quake originated offshore near Maasim, Sarangani, at a depth of approximately 33 kilometers.
Strong shaking was felt across many parts of Mindanao, with some areas experiencing severe ground movement. General Santos City reported some of the strongest effects, while nearby provinces and cities across Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, Davao Region, and parts of Zamboanga also felt significant tremors. Instrumental measurements indicated even stronger ground motion in areas closest to the earthquake’s epicenter.
Following the earthquake, PHIVOLCS warned that tsunami waves exceeding one meter above normal tide levels could affect coastal communities. The agency noted that wave heights could become even higher in enclosed bays, narrow channels, and coastal inlets. Several provinces, including Sarangani, Davao Occidental, Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, Basilan, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Sultan Kudarat, and South Cotabato, were placed under tsunami alert.
Residents living near coastlines were advised to immediately move to higher ground or areas farther inland as a safety precaution. Boat owners were instructed to secure their vessels and avoid waterfront areas, while fishermen and vessels already at sea were advised to remain in deeper waters until authorities declared it safe to return.
Authorities and local disaster response teams were directed to closely monitor the situation and assist affected communities. Meanwhile, aftershocks continued to be felt in several provinces, and reports indicated temporary power outages and internet disruptions in some affected areas.