Tsunami warning for Philippines, Japan after 7.5-magnitude quake hits Mindanao

Nation’s seismology agency says huge waves could strike coasts by midnight

MetMalaysia has reported that a 7.5-magnitude earthquake hit Mindanao in the Philippines at 10.37pm. – @MetMalaysia X pic, December 3, 2023

KUALA LUMPUR – An earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale hit Mindanao in the Philippines at 10.37pm last night.

According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), the earthquake at a depth of 85km occurred 42km southeast of Gingoog City, the Philippines.

A moderate aftershock measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale occurred at a depth of 105km at a distance of 57km southeast of Gingoog City at 11pm, MetMalaysia added.

Based on initial assessment, there is no tsunami threat to Malaysia.

However, Reuters reported evacuation orders have been triggered for some areas in the Philippines and those near southwestern Japanese coasts due to warnings of tsunami waves measuring over 1m in height.

The Philippine Seismology Agency said the waves could hit the country by midnight and may continue for hours after.

The waves could be up to 3m above the tide level along some Philippine coasts according to the Tsunami Warning System. – December 3, 2023