Port operations involving passenger embarkation and disembarkation were suspended in areas where tsunami may happen based on the advisory of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) following the magnitude 8.7 earthquake off the east coast of Kamchatka, Russia.

PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago said the move was a precautionary measure to protect passengers, adding that port operation suspension also covered cargo handling.

“We urge everyone to remain alert and cooperative as we work closely with our partner agencies to monitor the situation. The safety of our people is our utmost priority,” said Santiago.

In Luzon, the affected provinces are Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Catanduanes, Sorsogon while in the Visayas, those affected were Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte.

In Mindanao, Phivolcs identified Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao de Oro.

The port operation suspension took effect at 12 noon on Wednesday, July 30, and will only be lifted once Phivolcs issues an advisory that the country is already safe from tsunami.

“We are closely monitoring sea-level disturbances to ensure public safety. Alerts have been issued to all vessels currently docked or approaching ports, advising them to move to deeper waters if necessary,” said Santiago.

“The public is also strongly advised to avoid beaches and coastal areas during the threat period,” he added.

The PPA chief also disclosed that all floating equipment, small vessels, and vulnerable port assets are being secured, while emergency response teams have been placed on standby until Phivolcs officially declares the threat over.