Tsunami warning due to magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao lifted

The tsunami warning issued after the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao on Monday morning has been canceled, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said.

In its tsunami information issued at 3:19 p.m., PHIVOLCS said the warning was lifted after sea level monitoring data showed that the observed tsunami waves were too small to cause damage.

The agency had earlier issued a tsunami warning for coastal communities in Sarangani, Basilan, Davao Occidental, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay,

Residents in affected coastal areas were recommended to immediately evacuate.

Between 7:45 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., PHIVOLCS sea level monitoring stations confirmed the occurrence of tsunami waves generated by the earthquake.

Preliminary wave heights recorded were:

• 1.48 meters in Kiamba, Sarangani
• 0.84 meter in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat
• 0.48 meter in Maasim, Sarangani
• 0.25 meter in Zamboanga City
• 0.21 meter in Mati City, Davao Oriental
• 0.09 meter in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur

Despite the cancellation, PHIVOLCS urged coastal communities to remain vigilant, especially in the event of strong aftershocks.

The agency reminded residents to watch for natural tsunami warning signs, including a strong earthquake, a sudden rise or fall in sea level, and the sound of incoming waves.

“If any of these signs are observed, immediately evacuate to higher ground for safety,” PHIVOLCS said.

The agency added that the advisory would be its final tsunami information bulletin for the offshore Sarangani earthquake event. —AOL, GMA News