Strong earthquake triggers tsunami warning in Philippines

People were evacuated to safety after the earthquake and tsunami warning (Photo: Reuters).

According to the US Geological Survey, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake occurred in the Mindanao island region, southern Philippines at 10:37 p.m. on December 2. The epicenter was located at a depth of about 32 kilometers.

A few hours later, in the early morning of December 3, this area continued to record two strong aftershocks measuring 6.4 and 6.2 on the Richter scale.

The initial quake triggered a tsunami warning of up to 3m high waves. Local authorities asked coastal residents to evacuate to higher ground. However, the warning was later lifted.

The Japan Meteorological Agency said it recorded waves as high as 40cm in the Hachijojima island area, about 290km south of Tokyo.

No casualties or significant damage have been reported in the Philippines following the quake and aftershocks. However, the police chief of Hinatuan town, about 30km from the epicenter, said about 44,000 people there have been without power since the quake struck.

Earthquakes are quite common in the Philippines as the country lies on the "Ring of Fire", a volcanic belt surrounding the Pacific Ocean that is prone to seismic activity.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-gioi/dong-dat-manh-keo-theo-canh-bao-song-than-o-philippines-20231203064644695.htm