A massive magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck off the coast of Sarangani, Davao Occidental, early this morning (Saturday, April 29) prompting a now-cancelled tsunami warning.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the 4.23am quake’s epicentre was 33 miles off the coast of Sarangani, at a depth of about 35 miles.
Phivolcs issued a tsunami warning for the coastlines of Sarangani, Davao Occidental, South Cotabato, Davao Oriental and Sultan Kudarat but lifted it two hours later.
It had earlier urged those living near the shores to “stay away from the beach and not to go to the coast” for at least an hour.
Several aftershocks have followed the quake, the strongest recorded by Phivolcs was a magnitude 4.1 quake about half an hour later.
Local television reports have shown damaged structures, but civil defence officials said they had not received any reports of serious damage or injuries.
Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said: “We ask our people, particularly residents of Sarangani, to stay calm and yet remain vigilant and alert.
“Our disaster officials are now conducting rapid damage assessment and we assure those affected that immediate assistance will be provided.”
Abella said the government would give updates “as more information becomes available.”
Local airports, including in Davao, Zamboanga, Pagadian, Laguindingan, Ozamis and General Santos showed no signs of damage.