The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has said that the tsunami threat from the powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the southern Philippines on Friday morning has now ended.
Initially, small waves were seen in some coastal areas of Indonesia and the Philippines, with the tide level in Indonesia’s North Sulawesi province reportedly reaching about 17 centimeters (6.7 inches). According to the center in Honolulu, slight fluctuations in the sea are likely to continue for about two hours after the earthquake. A detailed assessment of the damage from the earthquake is ongoing.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said that rescue and relief teams are being prepared in the affected areas and that these teams will be deployed once the situation is safe.
“We urge these coastal communities to stay on higher ground until further notice,” he said in a video message. He also urged boat owners in ports and coastal areas to secure their boats and stay away from the shore.
Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency confirmed that small tsunami waves of 3.5 to 17 centimeters (1.3 to 6.7 inches) high were seen in North Sulawesi province and warned local residents to stay away from the sea and river banks.
