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Tsunami alert up in 11 areas after strong Davao quake —PHIVOLCS


The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has advised residents in 11 areas in Mindanao to move away from the coast after a magnitude-7.1 earthquake struck off the coast of Davao Oriental shortly before noon Saturday.

In its Tsunami Information No. 1, the PHIVOLCS said "minor sea level disturbance such as strong currents and rapid rise and fall of sea water are expected" as a major earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.1 occurred in Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental on December 29 at 11:30 a.m.

"The concerned public is advised to be on alert for unusual waves. Based on tsunami wave models and early tide gauge records of the tsunami in the Philippine Sea, coastal areas in Philippine provinces fronting the Philippine Sea are expected to experience wave heights of less than one meter above the normal tide levels."

"The first tsunami waves will arrive between 12:00 p.m. to 02:00 p.m., December 29, 2018 (PST) and may not be the largest. These waves may continue for hours."

People from the following areas are advised to stay away from the beach and not to go to the coast fronting the Philippine Sea during 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. until threat has passed:

  • Compostela Valley
  • Davao Del Norte
  • Davao Del Sur
  • Davao Oriental
  • Davao City
  • Sarangani
  • South Cotabato
  • Agusan Del Norte
  • Agusan Del Sur
  • Surigao Del Norte
  • Surigao Del Sur

"People whose houses are located very near the shoreline of these provinces are advised to MOVE FARTHER INLAND," the PHIVOLCS said.

"Owners of boats in harbors, estuaries or shallow coastal water of the abovementioned provinces should secure their boats and move away from the water front," it said.

Boats already at sea during the period 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. should stay offshore in deep waters until further advise. —Ted Cordero/LBG, GMA News

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