Davao region suspends classes, work amid tsunami alert
DURING a tsunami advisory triggered by an underwater earthquake off the coast of Russia, a pair of kite surfers recreate near two beach walkers at Ocean Beach in San Francisco on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. (Scott Strazzante/San Francisco Chronicle via AP)
DAVAO CITY – Several provinces and local government units (LGUs) in the Davao region have suspended classes and work due to a tsunami warning issued by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Wednesday.
In an advisory, Phivolcs instructed those living in coastal communities on the eastern side of the Philippines facing the Pacific Ocean to stay away from the beach and coast after a magnitude-8.8 earthquake struck the east coast of Kamchatka, Russia.
Davao Oriental is among the areas that may experience tsunami waves with a height of less than one meter, based on Phivolcs' advisory. The provincial government suspended classes on all levels, both public and private, as well as work in tourism establishments (beach resorts) and government offices located in tsunami-prone areas.
In Davao Occidental, classes in all coastal barangays of the province were suspended.
In Davao del Norte, Panabo City and the Island Garden City of Samal suspended classes in schools near coastal areas in response to the warning.
Digos City in Davao del Sur suspended all classes at all levels from 1 p.m. on Wednesday until further notice. All coastal residents within 500 meters of the shoreline were advised to move to higher ground.
“Everyone is advised to be vigilant and follow our public advisories,” the city government said in a post.
Malalag, Davao del Sur Mayor Maria Zorrahayda Valentin ordered the suspension of classes in seven schools near coastal barangays in response to Phivolcs' tsunami warning.
The Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao advised residents and visitors to stay away from the beach and coast. (PNA)