The Foreign Office has issued updated travel advice today in response to the earthquake that hit Mindanao. This island is the second largest in the Philippines, following Luzon, and the seventh most populous worldwide. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.0, occurred on Monday, June 8, shaking Davao City around 7.40am local time.
Initially reported as an 8.2 magnitude quake, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre revised it to 7.0 magnitude. Tsunami alerts have been issued for several regions, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, Palau, Yap, Taiwan, Papua New Guinea, and the west coast of the United States.
The Foreign Office cautioned British travelers scheduled to visit the affected area. The updated statement highlights the impact of the earthquake on southern Mindanao, warning of possible aftershocks and potential damage to structures and infrastructure. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has raised concerns of a tsunami threat, urging residents and visitors in coastal areas to move to higher ground.
President Bongbong Marcos of the Philippines addressed the earthquake, emphasizing the tsunami warning across coastal provinces in Mindanao. Government agencies are mobilizing disaster response efforts, including relief goods distribution and evacuation center preparations. Evaluations of infrastructure damage and route clearance for rescue operations are underway. Classes in affected areas have been suspended for safety, with continuous updates promised as the situation progresses.
For real-time updates, follow our live blog through this link. Opt for Daily Mirror as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News for convenient access to valuable news content.