Powerful earthquake strikes the Philippines, prompting tsunami warning

A powerful earthquake has shaken the Mindanao Island region of the Philippines this Saturday. The report by the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre indicates a magnitude of 7.5. A tsunami warning has been issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

An earthquake of 7.5 magnitude struck the region of Mindanao Island in the Philippines on Saturday, December 2, leading to a tsunami warning from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. The alert encompasses Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Palau.

The first waves might arrive before midnight, with water surges possibly lasting for several hours - according to reports by the Philippine seismic services.

A slew of warnings has been issued for residents. Fishermen have been cautioned to steer clear of the coasts, while the Philippine Seismological Agency Phivolcs is urging coastal communities to move inland. As of now, there are no reported casualties.

The tsunami waves, triggered by Saturday’s earthquake, are estimated to be between 3 and 9 feet high. Around midnight, they are expected to impact the Surigao Del Sur and Davao Oriental regions. The Reuters agency conveyed that the waves are unlikely to surpass 3 feet in height off Palau's coast.

Forecasts also indicate a possible tsunami reach to Japan. The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned of potential waves up to 3 feet in height along the nation's southwestern coast. Japan's NHK station has reported that authorities are orchestrating the evacuation of several thousand residents of Ishigaki, the Miyako Islands, and the city of Futtsu.

A tsunami is a devastating sea wave, instigated by a submarine earthquake, a volcanic eruption, or a landslide. These waves disseminate from their source in all directions and are often barely perceptible in deep ocean waters. Yet, their speed can match that of a jet aircraft.