Magnitude-7.4 Earthquake Strikes Mindanao, Philippines; Minor Tsunami Recorded, One Fatality Reported

Magnitude-7.4 Earthquake Strikes Mindanao, Philippines; Minor Tsunami Recorded, One Fatality Reported
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Early Friday, a magnitude-7.4 earthquake struck off the coast of the southern Philippine region of Mindanao, triggering tsunami warnings across parts of the Philippines and Indonesia’s North Sulawesi. The quake hit at 09:43 local time (01:43 GMT), prompting authorities to alert residents to the potential for waves up to three meters above normal levels.

According to the BBC, the US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center lifted its alert two hours later after reports of minor wave activity. In the Philippines, Tandag city recorded a wave of approximately 30 cm, while Indonesia reported minor tsunamis ranging from 3.5 to 17 cm along the North Sulawesi coast.

Local authorities confirmed one death in Mati City, Philippines, where a woman was struck by falling debris. President Ferdinand Marcos announced that search and rescue operations would commence as soon as it is safe.

The earthquake comes amid a period of heightened natural disasters in the Philippines, following a recent deadly quake in Cebu province and successive typhoons impacting northern and central regions. Residents have been urged to remain calm as assessments continue.