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Philippines Earthquake: Magnitude 7.4 shakes Mindanao, Triggering Damage and Tsunami Warnings
What Happened?
On Friday, December 8, 2023, at 9:43 AM local time, a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the coast of Mindanao in the southern Philippines. The epicenter was located approximately 31 kilometers (19 miles) northeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur province, at a depth of 30 kilometers (18.6 miles). the quake sent strong tremors across a wide area, causing significant damage to infrastructure and prompting tsunami warnings.
Initial reports indicate widespread damage to homes, buildings, and roads. Vilma Lagnayo, a resident of Manay, surigao del Sur, described waking up to find her family home of five years fully destroyed. The earthquake caused walls to collapse,windows to shatter,and the ground to shake violently,leaving residents terrified.
Impact and Damage Assessment
The earthquake’s intensity was felt strongly in several provinces across Mindanao, including Surigao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, and Agusan del Sur. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that the quake was a result of movement along the Philippine Fault System.
| Province | Reported Damage | Affected Population (Estimate) |
|---|---|---|
| Surigao del Sur | Widespread structural damage, collapsed buildings, landslides | 150,000+ |
| Davao Oriental | Cracked roads, damaged infrastructure, power outages | 80,000+ |
| Davao de Oro | Minor to moderate damage to buildings, landslides reported | 50,000+ |
| Agusan del Sur | Minor damage, power interruptions | 30,000+ |
As of December 9, 2023, authorities have confirmed at least at least 2 deaths and several injuries. Search and rescue operations are underway to locate individuals trapped under rubble. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) is coordinating relief efforts, providing assistance to affected communities.
Tsunami Warnings and Evacuations
Following the earthquake, a tsunami warning was issued for coastal areas of the Philippines, Indonesia, and Palau. The warning prompted evacuations of residents living near the coastline.While the tsunami threat has since been lifted, authorities are urging continued vigilance and caution.
PHIVOLCS monitored sea levels and confirmed that while some wave activity was observed,it did not reach dangerous levels. Though, the possibility of aftershocks remains, and residents are advised to stay informed and prepared.
Geological Context and the philippine Fault System
The Philippines is located within