AUTHORITIES issued urgent tsunami warnings after a powerful magnitude 8.2 earthquake struck near Mindanao in the southern Philippines on Sunday, triggering concerns over potentially destructive waves and widespread aftershocks.
The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) reported that the earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres, a factor that can significantly increase the potential for surface damage and tsunami generation.
Reuters cited that in the immediate aftermath of the quake, the United States Tsunami Warning System issued a tsunami threat advisory, warning that hazardous sea level fluctuations could affect coastal areas.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) cautioned that tsunami waves exceeding one metre above normal tide levels could strike affected coastlines following the powerful tremor.
"Wave heights of more than 1m above normal tides can be expected following the quake," the Philippines Seismology Agency said.
The agency also warned residents and local authorities to prepare for possible structural damage and a series of aftershocks that commonly follow major seismic events.
Officials continued to monitor the situation closely as emergency agencies assessed potential impacts on coastal communities across the southern Philippines and neighbouring areas.
No immediate reports of casualties or extensive damage were available at the time of reporting.
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