Powerful Earthquake Strikes Southern Philippines
Patients at Manuel J. Santos Hospital in Butuan City, southern Philippines, were evacuated on Saturday evening, Dec. 2, 2023, following a powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6. The earthquake struck off the southern Philippine coast, causing panic among villagers who fled their homes after a tsunami warning was issued by Philippine authorities.
Details of the Earthquake
The earthquake occurred at 10:37 p.m. at a depth of 32 kilometers (20 miles), according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of major damage or casualties. Initially, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center predicted that tsunami waves would hit the southern Philippines, as well as parts of Indonesia, Palau, and Malaysia. However, the center later canceled its tsunami warning.
Evacuation and Safety Measures
Teresito Bacolcol, the head of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, advised residents along the coast of southern Surigao del Sur and Davao Oriental provinces to evacuate immediately to higher ground or move farther inland. The agency also recommended that boat owners in harbors, estuaries, or shallow coastal waters secure their boats and move away from the waterfront. Boats already at sea were advised to stay offshore in deep waters until further notice.
Based on the magnitude of the earthquake, Bacolcol estimated that a 1-meter (3.2-foot) tsunami could potentially hit, with the wave possibly being higher in enclosed coves, bays, and straits. Villagers in Hinatuan town and surrounding areas in Surigao del Sur province were seen fleeing their homes to safety, as shown in pictures posted on the Hinatuan government’s Facebook account.
Continued Monitoring and Philippines’ Vulnerability
As of the time of reporting, there were no reports of a tsunami hitting the coast. However, authorities continued to monitor the situation. The Philippines, being located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Additionally, the archipelago experiences approximately 20 typhoons and storms each year, making it one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries.
