A strong earthquake in the southern Philippines has claimed at least one life, prompting the evacuation of thousands, including in Japan, following initial tsunami warnings that were later canceled.
The earthquake, with a potent magnitude of 7.6, occurred off the coast of Mindanao island at a depth of 32km (20 miles). Subsequently, four significant aftershocks, each exceeding a magnitude of 6.0, occurred over several hours into Sunday, according to the US Geological Survey. The European Mediterranean Seismological Centre, however, reported the quake’s magnitude as 7.5.
The initial earthquake, occurring at 10:37 pm (14:37 GMT), prompted tsunami warnings across the Pacific region. Residents along the east coast of Mindanao evacuated buildings, with a hospital also cleared as people sought higher ground. A strong earthquake
In Japan, late on Saturday, authorities issued evacuation orders in various parts of Okinawa prefecture, affecting thousands along the entire coastal area.
Tragically, a pregnant woman lost her life in Tagum city in Davao del Norte province. As the ground shook, a 4.5-meter (15-feet) concrete wall collapsed on her, her husband, and daughter who were attempting to flee their house. The husband and daughter sustained injuries.
Describing the experience, Shieldon Isidoro, the city’s disaster-mitigation chief, stated, “Initially the swaying was weak. Then it quickly became stronger, and I could hardly stand. My perfume bottles fell off a table, pictures on my wall swung, and I heard people screaming outside: ‘Get out, get out, earthquake, earthquake!’”
While the US Tsunami Warning System initially indicated the potential for waves up to 3 meters (10 feet) above the usual high tide level along some parts of the Philippine coast, it later clarified that there was no actual risk of a tsunami.