7.5 QUAKE HITS TAIWAN, TSUNAMI WARNING UP IN SOME PH COASTAL AREAS

THE Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised a tsunami warning in some coastal areas in the country following a magnitude 7.5 earthquake that jolted Taiwan on Wednesday morning.

Based on Tsunami Information No. 1 issued at 8:17 a.m., Phivolcs said high tsunami waves are expected in coastal areas fronting the Pacific Ocean between 8:33 a.m. to 10:33 a.m. on Wednesday.

Phivolcs director Teresito Bacolcol said coastal areas in the provinces of Batanes, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte and Isabela may see tsunami waves with a height of 1 to 3 meters.

“So far, wala pa kaming nakukuhang feedback but we expect that,” Bacolcol said in a radio interview.

Fishermen and boat owners were advised to take necessary precautions.

“Owners of boats in harbors, estuaries or shallow water of the abovementioned provinces should secure their boats and move away from the waterfront,” the warning added.

The agency also said boats already at sea during this period should stay offshore in deep waters until further advised.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reminded the residents near the coastal areas to monitor the situation and stay away from low-lying areas.

Meanwhile, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is closely monitoring the situation of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Taiwan and assured readiness to provide immediate assistance.

There are about 67,475 OFWs in Taiwan as of December 2023 based on DMW records.

Initial reports showed that four people died in Hualien County and at least 57 were injured  in the 8 a.m. Taiwan quake.

The local United Daily News reported three hikers died in rockslides in Taroko National Park near the offshore epicenter.

A five-storey building in Hualien appeared heavily damaged, collapsing its first floor and leaving the rest leaning at a 45-degree angle.