Philippines Lifts Tsunami Alert Following Magnitude 7.4 Earthquake – Residents Share Stories of Survival and Resilience.

Manila, Philippines – December 3, 2023: In the early hours of Sunday, the Philippines breathed a collective sigh of relief as authorities lifted a tsunami alert triggered by a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck the southern region of Mindanao. The seismic event prompted coastal evacuations, leaving residents on edge as they faced the possibility of destructive waves.

No initial reports of casualties or severe damage have emerged from the quake, which struck at 10:37 p.m. (1437 GMT) on Saturday. The Mindanao region, where the earthquake occurred, has a lower population density compared to other parts of the archipelago, contributing to the absence of significant casualties.

Despite the relatively fortunate outcome, more than 500 aftershocks have rattled the region, according to data from the Philippines’ Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). The largest aftershock, measuring a magnitude of 6.5, added to the ongoing challenges faced by residents attempting to resume normal activities.

Phivolcs issued a statement, acknowledging the passing of the tsunami threat but urging communities to heed instructions from local authorities. The institute had initially called for caution and urged residents living near the coast of Surigao Del Sur and Davao Oriental provinces to move inland.

“The tsunami threat associated with this earthquake has now largely passed the Philippines,” Phivolcs stated, reflecting a collective sense of relief among citizens. However, the institute emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant, considering the unpredictable nature of aftershocks.

In Bislig, a seaside town in Surigao Del Sur, residents described their harrowing experiences. Julita Bicap, a front desk staffer at GLC Suites hotel, shared her ordeal, “We started going back to our homes early on Sunday, although we are still shaking because of aftershocks.” She recounted spending the night at an evacuation center with foreign guests, one of whom returned to the hotel despite lingering tremors.

The earthquake’s impact resonated beyond the Philippines, reaching as far as Japan. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported waves of 40 cm (1.3 feet) on Hachijojima island, located approximately 290 km (180 miles) south of Tokyo. The U.S. Tsunami Warning System had initially warned of waves up to 3 meters (10 feet) above the usual high tide level, emphasizing the seismic event’s international implications.

Earthquakes are a common occurrence in the Philippines, situated on the “Ring of Fire,” a volatile belt of volcanoes encircling the Pacific Ocean. Despite the nation’s familiarity with seismic activity, the recent quake has left its mark on communities, with reports of structural damage and emotional trauma emerging from affected areas.

James Soria, owner of a small hotel in Hinatuan, expressed the challenges faced by residents, stating, “It’s shaking again here now.” His sentiments mirrored the resilience of a community confronting adversity, exemplified by Cosme Calejesan from Surigao City, who recounted being abruptly awakened by the tremors. “It was frightening. It was sudden and abrupt, and I was worried for my children,” he shared, emphasizing the human aspect of the disaster.

As authorities continue to assess the full impact of the earthquake, the Philippines remains steadfast in its commitment to recovery and rebuilding efforts. The nation’s spirit, tested by nature’s forces, shines through in the stories of survival, resilience, and unity emerging from the affected regions.