Eastern Visayas Urges Residents Stay Away Coastlines After Earthquake
Local leaders across Eastern Visayas have urged residents, especially those living in coastal areas, to stay away from shorelines and avoid going to sea following a tsunami alert. This warning came after a powerful magnitude 8.7 earthquake struck Kamchatka, Russia, triggering concerns about possible sea disturbances.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) issued a tsunami advisory affecting coastal communities facing the Pacific Ocean, including parts of Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Leyte, and Southern Leyte.
Eastern Samar Officials Warn of Sea-Level Disturbance
In Eastern Samar, Governor Ralph Vincent Evardone urged residents to avoid beaches and fishing activities due to an expected sea-level disturbance. Waves under one meter high generated by the quake are predicted to reach the local coastline between 1:20 p.m. and 2:40 p.m.
“Do not go fishing and stay away from coastal areas. A minor sea level disturbance is expected to affect the province. According to the DOST, Eastern Samar is among the 22 provinces likely to experience this event,” Evardone said in a statement shared on social media shortly after the advisory was released.
The governor added that the effects might continue for several hours after the initial arrival of waves.
Southern Leyte Moves to Protect Coastal Communities
In Southern Leyte, Representative Christopherson Yap called on local mayors and barangay officials in coastal towns to suspend classes and evacuate residents from areas at risk, especially those within 500 meters of the shoreline.
“We should not ignore this tsunami alert. I appeal to our mayors and barangay leaders to suspend classes and move people to higher ground,” Yap said during a live video broadcast Wednesday morning.
Several local government units in the affected provinces reposted the Phivolcs advisory and urged their constituents to remain vigilant and prepared.
Coast Guard Advises Residents and Fisherfolk to Stay Safe
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) stations also issued warnings to residents and fishermen. They strongly advised everyone in coastal communities to stay clear of beaches and shoreline areas until the advisory is lifted.
Boat owners were encouraged to secure their vessels or move them away from shallow or exposed coastal waters. Likewise, fisherfolk and residents near the shore were told to move farther inland for safety.
Authorities Continue Monitoring Situation
Authorities remain alert and continue to monitor the situation closely. The public is advised to stay tuned for updates from Phivolcs, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and local disaster risk reduction offices.
For more news and updates on tsunami alerts and disaster preparedness, visit Filipinokami.com.
