Tsunami Alerts Issued: Asia on Edge After Powerful Mindanao Quake

A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Mindanao, Philippines, causing widespread damage and triggering tsunami warnings across multiple Asian nations. Alerts have been issued for hazardous waves, urging residents to evacuate. The extent of casualties remains unconfirmed as emergency agencies mobilize.

A devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 hit the southern island of Mindanao in the Philippines, leading to the issuance of tsunami alerts across several Asian countries, Al Jazeera reported.

In the wake of Monday's early morning quake, significant infrastructure destruction was recorded, though casualty numbers are yet to be confirmed. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) noted that more than an hour of aftershocks followed the initial tremor.

President Ferdinand Marcos announced the activation of emergency agencies, including the Office of Civil Defence and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. Authorities urged residents in nine provinces, including Sarangani and Davao Occidental, to seek higher ground.

Similarly, evacuations were ordered in parts of Indonesia, including northern Sulawesi and northern Gorontalo province. Hazardous wave warnings were issued by officials in Japan, the Philippines, and Indonesia.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre warned of potential tsunami waves up to 3 meters high for the Philippines, and lesser heights for Indonesia and Malaysia. The waves were anticipated to reach parts of Japan, Taiwan, and several Pacific island nations within hours. The US National Tsunami Warning Center downgraded the quake's magnitude and reassured it posed no threat to US coastlines.

Tsunami warnings remained for Japan's southern coast and islands, while advisories in the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam were lifted, although caution regarding strong currents persisted.