Minor sea level disturbances observed but deemed non-destructive
By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has lifted its tsunami warning for several coastal areas in Mindanao following an extended monitoring period after a strong offshore earthquake.
In an advisory, PHIVOLCS said that while minor sea level disturbances were still detected during the agency’s extended two-hour observation period, the fluctuations had significantly weakened and were no longer considered capable of causing damage to coastal communities.
The warning had earlier been raised for coastal areas in the provinces of Sarangani, Basilan, Davao Occidental, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay following the earthquake.
According to PHIVOLCS, monitoring stations recorded slight variations in sea level after the seismic event. However, subsequent assessments showed that the disturbances had diminished and no longer posed a threat to life, property, or coastal infrastructure.
With the tsunami threat lifted, residents who had been advised to stay away from shorelines and coastal waters were informed that normal activities could gradually resume, while remaining alert for any updates from local authorities.
PHIVOLCS nevertheless reminded the public that strong earthquakes may still generate unusual sea movements and urged coastal communities to continue following official advisories during future seismic events.
Authorities also maintained close coordination with local government units and disaster response agencies to monitor affected areas and ensure public safety in the aftermath of the earthquake.
The agency said it will continue assessing aftershocks and other related seismic activity as part of its ongoing monitoring efforts in the region.
ia/xf
