Powerful Earthquake Causes Alarm in Philippines and Indonesia, Tsunami Fears Subside
Residents of the Philippines and Indonesia experienced a wave of fear and uncertainty early on a recent morning as a magnitude-7.4 earthquake shook the seas off the Mindanao region of the Philippines, prompting concerns of a possible tsunami.
Summary of Events
- The earthquake triggered tsunami warnings across several areas, including southern Mindanao in the Philippines and North Sulawesi in Indonesia.
- A couple of hours after the initial warning, the tsunami alert was canceled by a prominent Tsunami Warning Center.
- The Philippines also withdrew its tsunami warning following reports of a wave of around 30cm in Tandag, a coastal city.
- In North Sulawesi, Indonesia, minor tsunamis ranging from 3.5cm to 17cm were recorded. The local population was urged to remain calm.
- A woman in Mati city, Philippines, tragically lost her life due to falling debris.
- Search and rescue operations have been planned for deployment at the earliest safe opportunity, as stated by the President of the Philippines.
This earthquake has unfortunately hit at a time when the Philippines is still recovering from a series of natural disasters, including a deadly earthquake in Cebu province and typhoons in the northern and central regions.
Global Support Ready to Assist
The United Nations has expressed readiness to provide aid to the Philippines if requested. The UN team in the country is assessing the situation and coordinating with relevant government agencies.
Immediate Reactions
Local reports from the Philippines describe scenes of panic following the earthquake. In Manay, Davao Oriental, people were seen fleeing a gymnasium as the ground shook. Teachers carried chairs over their heads for protection against falling debris, and two teachers reportedly fainted out of shock and were taken to the hospital. Early reports also indicate that the earthquake has caused damage to several structures.
Living with the Reality of the "Ring of Fire"
The Philippines is particularly susceptible to natural disasters due to its location on the highly active "Ring of Fire" of the Earth's tectonic system. This zone sees a high frequency of earthquakes and volcanic activity. Dr. Teresito Bacolol, of the Philippines Volcanic agency, urged Filipinos not to live in fear but to prepare for these realities. The constant movement of the tectonic plates in this area results in frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Alerts in Indonesia
Residents of the Talaud Islands, located off the coast of Indonesia and near the Philippines border, were advised to stay alert, and schoolchildren were sent home. Despite the warning, the local situation remains calm, with residents going about their daily activities.
Highest Disaster Response Activated
Authorities in the Davao region, near the epicenter of the earthquake, have activated the highest level of disaster response. The full extent of the damage is still uncertain as authorities await information from their teams on the ground.
Indonesian Residents Experience Mild Tremors
Residents near the epicenter of the earthquake reported mild tremors. A teacher on Miangas Island mentioned that she has already returned to teaching her class.
Aftermath of the Quake
A series of aftershocks continue to shake the region, with magnitudes ranging from 2.6 to 4.9. The initial earthquake was reported to have a magnitude of 7.5 by the Philippine seismology agency.
Evacuation Orders
The President of the Philippines has called for evacuations in some coastal areas in the central and southern parts of the country. He has urged all people in the affected regions to move to higher ground and to stay away from the shore until it is declared safe.