Tsunami warning raised after magnitude 6.9 hits Surigao del Sur

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology raised a tsunami warning following a magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Surigao Del Sur on Saturday evening.

Based on the local tsunami scenario database, Phivolcs said it is expected to experience wave heights of more than one meter above the normal tides and may be higher on enclosed bays and straits.

Destructive tsunami is expected with life threatening wave heights, it added.

It is forecasted that the first tsunami waves will arrive between 10:37 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Saturday.

Phivolcs cautioned the public that these waves may continue for hours.

Those people residing in the coastal areas of Surigao del Sur and Davao Oriental are strongly advised to immediately evacuate to higher grounds or move to farther inland.

Phivolcs also warned owners of boats in harbors, estuaries or shallow coastal water of Surigao del Sur and Davao Oriental "should secure their boats and move away from the waterfront."

Boats already at sea during this period "should stay offshore in deep waters until further advised."