PHIVOLCS: Mag-Ingat Mula sa Inaasahang Tsunami Dulot ng 8.8 Earthquake sa Russia

A magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck off the eastern coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula early Wednesday, prompting tsunami warnings across the Pacific region. According to international seismic reports, the epicenter was recorded approximately 136 kilometers east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.

Russian authorities have declared a state of emergency in the Northern Kuril Islands. While there is no significant tsunami threat to the Philippines, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said that minor tsunami wave activity is expected in several eastern coastal areas.

Earthquake and Tsunami Advisory Overview

Phivolcs released a tsunami advisory following the offshore quake, advising residents along the country’s eastern seaboard to stay alert. Waves less than one meter in height may reach Philippine coastlines between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 30.

The agency clarified that the advisory is precautionary. However, it emphasized that even minor sea level changes could pose risks in low-lying coastal areas.

List of Areas Under Tsunami Advisory

Luzon

• Batanes Group of Islands
• Cagayan
• Isabela
• Aurora
• Quezon
• Camarines Norte
• Camarines Sur
• Albay
• Sorsogon
• Catanduanes

Visayas

• Northern Samar
• Eastern Samar
• Leyte
• Southern Leyte

Mindanao

• Dinagat Islands
• Surigao del Norte
• Surigao del Sur
• Davao del Norte
• Davao Oriental
• Davao Occidental
• Davao del Sur
• Davao de Oro

Local Governments Suspend Classes, Coastal Activities

In response to the advisory, several local government units have suspended classes and coastal activities as a safety measure. Early responses were reported from parts of the Bicol Region, Polillo Island in Quezon, and Davao Occidental.

Visayas provinces have also issued warnings and coordinated with barangay units to temporarily restrict access to shorelines.

Phivolcs continues to urge the public, especially those in tsunami-prone areas, to remain vigilant and temporarily relocate to safer ground if needed.

Recognizing Natural Tsunami Warning Signs

Apart from official advisories, Phivolcs reminded the public to watch for natural tsunami signs. These may occur ahead of wave arrival and include:

• Strong or unusual ground shaking
• Sudden rise or fall in sea level
• Unusual ocean sounds such as rumbling or roaring

Anyone observing these signs is advised to move inland immediately and wait for further instructions from local authorities.

Situation in Russia and Regional Monitoring

The quake originated in a deep offshore fault line near the Kamchatka Peninsula. Authorities in Russia confirmed that all residents in the affected areas of the Northern Kuril Islands were safely evacuated.

Meanwhile, tsunami warnings remain in effect for parts of Japan, Hawaii, and other Pacific territories. Monitoring agencies continue to track sea level changes and aftershocks.

Precaution and Monitoring Advised

Phivolcs reiterates that while no major tsunami is expected, coastal communities should avoid shoreline activities until the advisory is lifted. The public is encouraged to monitor official bulletins through the Phivolcs website and verified government communication channels.

For updates, visit www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph or follow Phivolcs on social media.