A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6 has struck off the coast of southern Philippines, prompting warnings of a potentially dangerous tsunami in nearby areas.
The quake was expected to cause damage and aftershocks, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.
It was centred about 62 kilometres (38 miles) southeast of Manay town in Davao Oriental province, originating from a shallow fault at a depth of 10 kilometres (6 miles).
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre in Honolulu said hazardous waves could occur within 300 kilometres (186 miles) of the epicentre, with waves up to 3 metres (10 feet) above normal tide levels possible along some Philippine coasts.
Smaller waves could also affect parts of Indonesia and Palau.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos said authorities are currently assessing the situation on the ground to make sure that everyone is safe.
In a statement issued shortly after the quake, President Marcos said he had instructed the relevant agencies to immediately carry out evacuations in coastal areas, activate emergency communication lines, and coordinate closely with local authorities.
Image:
People in Davo City wait outside following the 7.6-magnitude quake. Pic: Getty Images
“Search, rescue, and relief operations are already being prepared and will be deployed as soon as it is safe to do so,” he said.
He urged residents in affected regions to move to higher ground and stay away from the shore until authorities say it is safe to do so.
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“We are working round the clock to ensure that help reaches everyone who needs it. Let us continue to look out for one another and pray for the safety of all our countrymen,” President Marcos said.
The country is still recovering from a 6.9-magnitude earthquake that rocked the nation on 30 September, killing at least 74 people and displacing thousands, mainly in Cebu province.
Situated on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, the Philippines is highly prone to natural disasters, including frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
The archipelago is also hit by around 20 typhoons and storms annually, making disaster preparedness a major national priority.
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