MANILA: A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Mindanao in the southern Philippines on Friday morning, prompting a tsunami warning. Officials said one person was killed and several buildings and bridges were damaged.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the earthquake struck off the coast of Manay, Davao Oriental, prompting residents to evacuate to safer areas.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center later announced that the tsunami threat in the Philippines had been averted, but warnings remained in place for Indonesia, Palau and other nearby countries.
According to local authorities, the tremors were felt for 30 to 40 seconds and damaged several homes, schools and churches, while several bridges were closed to traffic.
According to Richie Devine, a Manay officer, “I’m 46 years old, but I’ve never felt such a powerful earthquake in my life, the damage is so great.”
After the earthquake, the US Tsunami Warning System also announced that dangerous waves could occur in coastal areas within 300 kilometers of the epicenter.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has said that the government is immediately dispatching rescue teams to begin relief operations in the affected areas.
The quake comes two weeks after a 6.9-magnitude earthquake killed 74 people on the island of Cebu.
According to the agency, the depth of the earthquake was recorded at 23 kilometers, while its magnitude was initially reported as 7.6, which was later reduced to 7.4.
Indonesia has issued a tsunami warning for areas of North Sulawesi and Papua, while coastal parts of Palau are also expected to experience waves up to one meter high.
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