Tsunami advisory issued after 7.2 quake off Davao Oriental

A map released by the USGS shows the epicenter of the 7.2-magnitude earthquake that hit off the coast of Davao Oriental on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018. USGS IMAGE

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) told the public on Saturday to temporarily stay away from beaches and not go to the coast after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck off Davao Oriental.

In its Tsunami Information No. 1, Phivolcs said, “Minor sea level disturbances such as strong currents and rapid rise and fall of seawater could be expected.” The public was advised to stay alert for unusual waves.

The agency advised people to stay away from coasts fronting the Philippine Sea from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the following provinces:

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 near the shores of said provinces were advised to move farther inland, Phivolcs said.

Owners of boats in harbors, estuaries or shallow coastal water should secure their boats and move away from the water.

Phivolcs said boasts that were already at sea from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. to stay offshore in deep waters. /cbb