SARANGANI, Philippines – A powerful magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck offshore Sarangani early Monday morning, prompting the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) to issue Tsunami Information No. 1, warning of dangerous waves and ordering immediate evacuation in coastal communities across Mindanao.
According to the agency’s report, the tremor occurred at 7:37 AM, centered at 05.99°N, 125.17°E – located offshore Sarangani – at a very shallow depth of only 10 kilometers. Due to the quake’s size, location, and shallow depth, it generated a significant tsunami threat.
PHIVOLCS warned that wave heights could reach more than 1 meter above normal tide levels, with even larger surges possible inside enclosed bays and straits. The first waves were forecast to arrive anytime between 7:37 AM and 9:37 AM (Philippine Standard Time), and hazardous sea conditions were expected to continue for several hours.
Evacuation Orders Issued
Authorities strongly advised residents in coastal areas to immediately move to higher ground or farther inland in the following provinces:
- Sarangani
- Davao Occidental
- Tawi-tawi
- Sulu
- Basilan
- Zamboanga del Sur
- Zamboanga Sibugay
- Sultan Kudarat
- South Cotabato
Residents were urged not to wait for further signs but to evacuate right away, as natural warnings such as strong shaking or unusual sea-level changes may occur before official alerts are fully disseminated.
Safety Measures for Mariners boat owners and operators were also instructed to secure vessels in harbors, estuaries, or shallow waters and move away from the shoreline. Ships already at sea were advised to remain in deep waters and not return to port until the warning is lifted and conditions are declared safe.
Preparedness and Response for the local government units, disaster response teams, and police forces were placed on high alert to assist in evacuations and monitor sea levels. PHIVOLCS emphasized that tsunamis are a series of waves, not just a single surge, and that danger may persist long after the first arrival.
As of this report, no casualties or major damage have been confirmed, but residents in the affected regions remain on high alert. PHIVOLCS continues to monitor the situation and will release updates as more data becomes available.
Authorities remind the public to stay tuned to radio, television, and official social media channels for further announcements and to strictly follow safety instructions to ensure their safety.
- 7.0-Magnitude Quake Strikes Off Sarangani; Tsunami Warning Issued, Evacuations Ordered
- ₱1 Trilyonhg Badyet, Pero Handa ba talaga? Ang Malaking Tanong sa Bagongg Kurikulum ng DepEd
- Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s Troubles Deepen, Facial Injury Revealed, Financial Criticism Grows, and Complex Investigations Face Lengthy Delays
- Timing and Connections: VP Sara Visits Lawyer of Controversial Ex-Marines Amid Senate Hearing, Political Rivalries, and New Allegations
- President Marcos Joins LGBTQIA+ Community in Celebrating Pride Month, Reaffirms Commitment to Equality and Inclusion
- 2-anyos na Bata, Natagpuang Patay na Lumulutang sa Hukay sa Ormoc City
- Alan Cayetano Remains Senate President Amid Leadership Dispute as Minority Bloc Challenges Control of Senate
- DepEd Order No. 015, series of 2026, Revised Guidelines on Classroom Assessment, Grading System, and Awards and Recognition for the K to 12 Basic Education Program