MANILA — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has issued a warning of potential tsunami threats and initiated evacuations in coastal regions nationwide following a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake in neighboring Taiwan.
In an advisory issued by the state seismology institute, residents in coastal areas of multiple provinces facing Taiwan are strongly urged to evacuate to higher ground or move inland immediately.
Coastal regions spanning 23 provinces across the country, excluding the capital Manila, are anticipated to encounter significant tsunami waves according to tsunami wave models.
The onset of the first tsunami waves is predicted between 0033 GMT and 0233 GMT, with the possibility of continued wave activity for several hours. Boat owners in harbors, estuaries, or shallow coastal waters within the mentioned provinces are advised to secure their vessels and relocate away from the waterfront.
For those already at sea during this period, it is recommended to remain offshore in deeper waters until further instructions are provided.
(By el Amigo/MNM)
