Tsunami warning up after 7.5-magnitude quake in Taiwan

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) issued a tsunami alert after a 7.5-magnitude earthquake hit Taiwan at 7:58 a.m. on Wednesday, April 3. 

Phivolcs said the tremor that occurred at a depth of 19 kilometers (km) could cause tsunami waves in Batanes Group of Islands, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, and Isabela.

Phivolcs said those in these areas are “strongly advised to immediately evacuate to higher grounds or move farther inland.” 

It noted that the first tsunami waves may occur between 8:33 a.m. and 10:33 a.m., which may not be the “largest” but may continue for hours. 

“Based on tsunami wave models and early tide gauge records of the tsunami in the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, coastal areas in the Philippines fronting the Pacific ocean are expected to experience high tsunami waves,” Phivolcs said. 

“Owners of boats in harbors, estuaries or shallow coastal waters of the above-mentioned provinces should secure their boats and move away from the waterfront. Boats already at sea during this period should stay offshore in deep waters until further advised,” it added.