Philippines Institute of Seismology Raises Tsunami Warning Following Taiwan’s 7.5 Magnitude Quake

Author: Dian Kencana
April 3, 2024

Taiwan’s 7.5 magnitude earthquake. (TVBS via AP)

SEAToday.com, Manila-A 7.5 magnitude earthquake on Wednesday morning near Taiwan, has required the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, or the Phivolcs, to raise a tsunami warning in the country.

The Institute raised the alert at 8.17 a.m. for the Philippine’s northern region, shortly after the quake hit Taiwan's east region at 7:58 a.m. With a depth of focus of 15.5 kilometers the 2024 earthquake is reportedly to be Taiwan's strongest quake in the last 25 years.

According to the Phivolcs, the Philippine coastal areas are expected to experience tsunami waves with a height of 1 to 3 meters.

In response, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has launched immediate evacuation efforts in coastal areas and reminds the residents to stay away from low-lying areas.

The Philippine Department of Migrant Workers has also assured readiness to assist overseas Filipino workers in Taiwan. As a home for nearly 67.475 Filipino workers, the government strives to ensure the safety of its citizens.

In Taiwan, where the quake impact was much felt, at least 26 buildings have been reported to have collapsed with 20 people trapped inside.

Additionally, near the epicenter, 50 people have been injured in the Hualien County mountainous region after the quake caused a major landslide. One person is suspected of being crushed by falling rocks. Fortunately, Taiwan's two nuclear power stations were not affected by the earthquake.

Meanwhile, in Japan’s southern region Okinawa, the Japanese government put the quake’s magnitude at 7.7 and alerted people of the possibility of several incoming small tsunamis.

Furthermore, as a precautionary measure, any flights in Okinawa have been suspended by the authority starting from 9.25 a.m.