MANILA, Philippines, June 8 (World Daily Times) — A strong offshore earthquake struck off Mindanao in the southern Philippines on Monday, and tsunami warnings were issued for nearby coasts, according to seismic and tsunami-monitoring agencies.
The German Research Centre for Geosciences, or GFZ, reported the quake at magnitude 7.8 and said it was 10 kilometers deep. GFZ earlier estimated the quake at magnitude 8.2 before revising the measurement.
Phivolcs, the Philippine seismology agency, issued a tsunami warning and assessed the quake at magnitude 7.0. The agency warned of possible damage and tsunami waves above 1 meter that could continue for several hours.
Indonesia’s geophysics agency, BMKG, also issued a tsunami warning and assessed the quake at magnitude 7.7.
The U.S. Tsunami Warning System issued a tsunami threat. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said hazardous waves were possible within three hours along some coasts of Indonesia, the Philippines, Palau, Taiwan and Papua New Guinea.
Dr. Teresito C. Bacolcol, director of the Philippine seismology agency, said the first tsunami waves were expected between 7:37 a.m. and 9:37 a.m. local time. “The waves may continue for hours,” Bacolcol said.
The agencies reported different magnitude estimates for the same offshore event. Exact epicenter coordinates, confirmed damage reports and casualty figures were not immediately available from the initial agency information cited in the alerts.
