A seismic event with a magnitude of 7.6 has struck off the southern coast of the Philippines, prompting a tsunami alert.
The earthquake occurred near the island of Mindanao at 10:37 pm and reached a depth of 32 kilometers (20 miles).
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has issued warnings for potential tsunami waves affecting the southern Philippines, as well as regions in Indonesia, Palau, and Malaysia.
Residents on the eastern coast of Mindanao were urgently advised by a Philippine government agency to evacuate.
Witnesses reported experiencing a “strong and prolonged” shaking in their residences. One individual, residing 146 kilometers from the epicenter, shared, “The shaking woke me up from sleep and persisted for what seemed like an eternity. I could see my ceiling and walls trembling. It’s the longest and most intense earthquake I’ve ever felt.”
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the epicenter of the 7.6 magnitude earthquake is located…
“I’m in Davao City. This one is more powerful and enduring than the last quake on November 17. Still swaying side to side,” mentioned another resident.
This event follows a significant 7.2 magnitude earthquake that occurred in the same region on November 17.
The Philippines experiences approximately 100-150 earthquakes each year with a magnitude of 4.0 and above, primarily due to the interaction of tectonic plates at convergent boundaries known as subduction zones.
Mindanao, the second-largest island in the Philippines, houses around 26 million people. Davao City, the third-largest city in the Philippines, is situated on the coast of Mindanao.