Title: 7.6-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Southern Philippines, Tsunami Warning Issued

MANILA, Philippines — A powerful offshore earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6 struck off the southern coast of the Philippines on Friday morning. The quake occurred at 9:43 a.m. local time, prompting officials to issue a tsunami warning for nearby coastal areas.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported that the earthquake was centered approximately 38 miles southeast of Manay town in Davao Oriental province. It was caused by movement along a fault line at a shallow depth of 6 miles. Authorities are anticipating potential damage and aftershocks as a result of the quake.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center indicated that hazardous waves could reach up to 10 feet above normal tide levels along some Philippine coasts. They warned that waves could be felt within a 186-mile radius of the epicenter. Smaller waves may also affect areas in Indonesia and Palau.

In response to the threat, Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV, deputy administrator of the Office of Civil Defense, urged residents in six coastal provinces to evacuate to higher ground. He stated that tsunami waves could reach these areas within two hours of the earthquake. "We urge these coastal communities to be on alert and immediately evacuate to higher grounds until further notice," Alejandro said during a video news briefing. He also advised boat owners to secure their vessels and move away from waterfronts.

This earthquake comes as the Philippines continues to recover from a 6.9-magnitude quake that struck on September 30, resulting in at least 74 fatalities and displacing thousands in the central province of Cebu, particularly in Bogo city and surrounding towns.

The Philippines is located on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," making it one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. The archipelago frequently experiences earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, in addition to being hit by around 20 typhoons and storms each year. This reality places significant demands on disaster response efforts from both the government and volunteer organizations.