A 7.6 magnitude earthquake east of the Philippines and a devastating tsunami warning

On Saturday, the Philippines warned of a “devastating tsunami” and urged residents of coastal areas to flee to those inland after a 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck the island of Mindanao, east of the country.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology announced on the “X” platform “expectations of a devastating tsunami with waves reaching levels that pose a threat to the lives” of residents, due to the strong earthquake.

The institute reported that waves exceeding the normal height by more than a meter are expected to hit the coast, and advised residents in Surigao del Sur and Davao Oriental provinces to “evacuate” their areas “immediately” and head to highlands or inland areas.

⚠️ THIS INSANE FOOTAGE FROM THE EARTHQUAKE THAT JUST HIT THE PHILIPPINES MAKES IT FEEL LIKE THE END TIMES ARE HERE ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/fO4w1qqicm

— Matt Wallace (@MattWallace888) December 2, 2023

According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake struck at a depth of 32 kilometers at approximately 22:37 local time (14:37 GMT) in an area located about 21 kilometers northeast of the municipality of Hinatuan in the province of Surigao del Sur, located on the island of Mindanao.

A short time later, an aftershock measuring 6.4 degrees struck the same area, according to the center.

The Philippines witnesses earthquakes on a daily basis, especially since the archipelago is located on the “Ring of Fire,” an area of ​​intense seismic and volcanic activity that extends from Japan to the Pacific Basin, passing through Southeast Asia.

Earthquakes are often so mild that residents do not feel them, but the country witnesses strong and destructive earthquakes that sometimes occur without warning for reasons, most notably the lack of technology necessary to predict their location and timing.