DILG Urges Preemptive Evacuation, Coastal Vigilance Following Magnitude 8.7 Kamchatka Quake
Manila, The Gulf Observer: The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday issued an urgent advisory directing local government units (LGUs) along the country’s northern and eastern seaboards to implement preemptive evacuations and heighten coastal vigilance in response to the magnitude 8.7 earthquake that struck off Kamchatka, Russia.
The DILG’s directive aims to ensure the safety of residents in coastal areas that may be affected by potential tsunami waves generated by the powerful offshore quake. The advisory particularly targets shoreline communities in provinces facing the Pacific Ocean, urging local leaders to take immediate action.
Residents in the affected areas are advised to move further inland, avoid beaches, and stay alert until the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) officially cancels its tsunami advisory. Boat owners are urged to secure their vessels and remain in deep water if already offshore.
Areas on Alert Include:
Luzon:
- Batanes Group of Islands
- Cagayan
- Isabela
- Aurora
- Quezon
- Camarines Norte
- Camarines Sur
- Albay
- Sorsogon
- Catanduanes
Visayas:
- Northern Samar
- Eastern Samar
- Leyte
- Southern Leyte
Mindanao:
- Dinagat Islands
- Surigao del Norte
- Surigao del Sur
- Davao Oriental
- Davao Occidental
- Davao del Sur
- Davao del Norte
- Davao de Oro
The DILG has directed its regional directors in Regions II (Cagayan Valley), III (Central Luzon), IV-A (Calabarzon), V (Bicol Region), VIII (Eastern Visayas), XI (Davao Region), and Caraga to place all LGUs on high alert and coordinate closely with their respective Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (RDRRMCs).
According to Phivolcs and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, tsunami waves of less than 1 meter in height are anticipated to reach the eastern coastlines of the Philippines between 1:20 p.m. and 2:40 p.m., with possible wave activity continuing for several hours.
Preparedness Measures Urged by DILG:
- Establish evacuation routes, clear signage, and designated safe zones
- Activate Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) and Incident Management Teams
- Implement protocols outlined in Operation Listo and Listong Pamayanan Tsunami Toolkit
- Maintain close coordination with RDRRMCs, Phivolcs, and other concerned agencies
The DILG emphasized the importance of proactive safety measures to prevent casualties and minimize risks in vulnerable communities, reminding local officials and citizens alike to remain vigilant until the threat has completely passed.
