8.7-magnitude quake strikes off Russia's Kamchatka; tsunami alert issued for Philippine coastal areas
1st waves may arrive between 1:20 p.m. and 2:40 p.m.
Photo from Pixabay
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has issued a tsunami advisory following a powerful undersea earthquake that struck off the east coast of Kamchatka, Russia, on Wednesday morning, July 30.
Phivolcs said the earthquake occurred at 7:25 a.m. (Philippine time).
Based on revised magnitude calculations and tsunami wave models from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, Phivolcs said tsunami waves of less than one meter are expected to affect several coastal areas in the Philippines facing the Pacific Ocean.
The first waves are projected to arrive between 1:20 p.m. and 2:40 p.m. (PST).
Phivolcs warned that the initial waves may not be the largest and that tsunami activity could continue for several hours.
It advised the public to be on alert for unusual wave activity and to stay away from beaches and low-lying coastal areas in the following provinces:
* Luzon: Batanes Group of Islands, Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes
* Visayas: Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Leyte, and Southern Leyte
* Mindanao: Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Davao Occidental, and Davao del Sur
Residents in these areas, especially those living near the shore, are advised to move farther inland as a precaution.
Phivolcs also advised boat owners in harbors, estuaries, or shallow coastal waters to secure their vessels and move them away from the waterfront.
Boats already at sea should remain offshore in deep water until further notice.
Phivolcs said the advisory will remain in effect until it is officially canceled.