Subhechcha Ganguly 
A powerful earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale struck Mindanao in the Philippines, prompting authorities to issue an urgent tsunami warning. Officials have cautioned that the region could experience ‘destructive’ and ‘life-threatening’ waves, urging residents along coastal areas to evacuate immediately to higher and safer ground.
A strong offshore earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale struck near Manay town in Davao Oriental, Mindanao, on Saturday, prompting widespread tsunami warnings and fears of aftershocks. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) initially recorded the tremor at 7.6 magnitude before revising it to 7.5, with a depth of about 20 km (12 miles). The agency has cautioned residents about possible damage and aftershocks following the quake.
The U.S. Tsunami Warning System also issued an alert, warning that hazardous tsunami waves could impact coastal areas within 300 km (186 miles) of the epicenter.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that authorities are assessing the situation and preparing for search and rescue operations. “We are working round the clock to ensure that help reaches everyone who needs it,” he said.
According to Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib, reports of infrastructural damage are emerging as monitoring continues. Ednar Dayanghirang, regional director of the Office of Civil Defense, confirmed damage to several buildings and a church in Davao Oriental.
Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency has also issued a tsunami warning for the North Sulawesi and Papua regions, cautioning that waves as high as 50 centimeters (20 inches) could occur.
