MANILA, Philippines – A magnitude 6.9 earthquake jolted some Mindanao areas with epicenter in Surigao Del Sur on Saturday evening, December 2, 2023, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported.
Phivolcs said it traced the epicenter of the earthquake 42 kilometers northeast of Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur. It had a depth of 8 kilometers.
The earthquake, recorded at 10:37 PM, was of tectonic origin.
Phivolcs added that aftershocks may be expected.
Earlier, the United States Geological Survey reported the magnitude to be 7.6, according to an Associated Press report.
Phivolcs also issued a tsunami warning after the strong quake.
“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,” Phivolcs said.
"It is forecasted that the first tsunami waves will arrive between 10:37 PM to 11:59 PM, 02 Dec 2023 (PST). These waves may continue for hours," Phivolcs added.
The people in the coastal areas of Surigao Del Sur and Davao Oriental are STRONGLY ADVISED TO IMMEDIATELY EVACUATE to higher grounds or move farther inland, the agency emphasized.
"Owners of boats in harbors, estuaries or shallow coastal water of the above-mentioned provinces should secure their boats and move away from the waterfront. Boats already at sea during this period should stay offshore in deep waters until further advised," the agency said.
— The Summit Express
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| Magnitude 6.9 earthquake hits Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur on Saturday evening, December 2, 2023. Photo from USGS |
Phivolcs said it traced the epicenter of the earthquake 42 kilometers northeast of Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur. It had a depth of 8 kilometers.
The earthquake, recorded at 10:37 PM, was of tectonic origin.
Phivolcs added that aftershocks may be expected.
Earlier, the United States Geological Survey reported the magnitude to be 7.6, according to an Associated Press report.
Phivolcs also issued a tsunami warning after the strong quake.
“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,” Phivolcs said.
"It is forecasted that the first tsunami waves will arrive between 10:37 PM to 11:59 PM, 02 Dec 2023 (PST). These waves may continue for hours," Phivolcs added.
The people in the coastal areas of Surigao Del Sur and Davao Oriental are STRONGLY ADVISED TO IMMEDIATELY EVACUATE to higher grounds or move farther inland, the agency emphasized.
"Owners of boats in harbors, estuaries or shallow coastal water of the above-mentioned provinces should secure their boats and move away from the waterfront. Boats already at sea during this period should stay offshore in deep waters until further advised," the agency said.
— The Summit Express
