DAVAO CITY – Government suspended all sea travel here on Wednesday, July 30, as a precautionary measure after the magnitude-8.8 earthquake in Russia that resulted in a tsunami alert.

The Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office reported “calm to slight seas and ongoing low tide” along the city’s coastline on Wednesday afternoon.

At 12:52 p.m., the office issued a coastal monitoring update indicating that low tide, measured at 0.11 meters (0.36 feet), was expected at 2:56 p.m. A high tide of up to 1.46 meters (4.79 feet) was anticipated around 9:12 p.m.

In response to potential tsunami waves affecting coastal areas facing the Pacific Ocean, the Davao Coast Guard immediately halted all sea travel within the city’s jurisdiction starting at 1 p.m.

The directive, formalized in Sea Travel Advisory No. 2, applies to all vessels regardless of size or function, including fishing boats.

The advisory was based on assessments from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. Both agencies urged residents and visitors to avoid shoreline areas and remain alert.

The Phivolcs, following updated seismic data and tsunami modeling, projected that tsunami waves reaching less than one meter could affect Philippine coasts fronting the Pacific.

Initial wave activity was expected between 1:20 p.m. and 2:40 p.m. Philippine Standard Time. However, officials warned that later waves could be more powerful and that the disturbance could last several hours.

“Operators of small sea vessels are urged to exercise caution and stay updated on official forecasts,” the advisory noted.

Authorities strongly advised residents and tourists to avoid sea-related activities and keep away from coastal zones until authorities declare the area safe.

The earthquake, initially recorded at magnitude 8.7 and later revised to 8.8, triggered tsunami alerts across the Pacific, with the Philippines listed among potentially affected regions.

Phivolcs highlighted coastal communities, including those in the Davao region, as vulnerable to tsunami activity.

Local government units are actively working to circulate warnings and ensure public compliance, emphasizing that the community’s safety hinges on immediate and coordinated action.

Sea travel suspension will remain in place until lifted by maritime and disaster management authorities. Updates are expected to follow as monitoring continues.