Magnitude 7.2 quake hits Davao Oriental, Phivolcs issues tsunami advisory

December 29, 2018

A magnitude 7.2 earthquake shook Governor Generoso town in Davao Oriental 11:39 am Saturday, with the  Philippine Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) issuing a tsunami advisory two hours later along coastal areas. 

Phivolcs said minor sea level disturbances such as "strong currents and rapid rise and fall of seawaters are expected" in areas including Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao City, Sarangani, South Cotabato, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del sur, Surigao del Norte and Surigao de Sur.

It estimates the waves to be "one meter above the normal guide level."

Phivolcs said residents near the shoreline of the provinces were warned to "move farther inland." Owners of seacraft were reminded to secure their boats and to stay offshore in deep waters, it added. 

  "Residents of the affected areas were advised to be on alert and to stay away from the beach and coast due to 'unusual waves' with heights of 'less than one meter above sea levels', the report said.

Phivolcs said the waves will occur between 12 pm to 2 pm and will last for hours.

There was no immediate report of  damage from the quake, which was tectonic in origin.

Intensity V  was felt iu Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental; Glan, Sarangani; Koronadal City. Intensity IV in General Santos City; Tupi, South Cotabato; Alabel, Sarangani; Kiamba, Sarangani; Mati City and Manay, Davao Oriental and Davao City. Cristina Eloisa Baclig/DMS