Several provinces and local government units (LGUs) in the Davao Region have suspended classes and work following a tsunami warning issued by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Wednesday.
In an advisory, Phivolcs instructed residents living in coastal communities on the eastern side of the Philippines facing the Pacific Ocean to avoid the beach and coastal areas after a magnitude 8.7 earthquake struck the east coast of Kamchatka, Russia.
Davao Oriental is among the areas expected to experience tsunami waves with a height of less than 1 meter, according to Phivolcs’ advisory. The provincial government has suspended classes at all levels, both public and private, as well as work in tourism establishments (beach resorts) and government offices located in tsunami-prone areas.
In Davao Occidental, classes in all coastal villages of the province have also been suspended.
In Davao del Norte, Panabo City and the Island Garden City of Samal have suspended classes in schools near coastal areas in response to the warning.
Additionally, Digos City in Davao del Sur has suspended all classes at all levels from 1 p.m. on Wednesday until further notice. Coastal residents within 500 meters of the shoreline are advised to move to higher ground. “Everyone is advised to be vigilant and follow our public advisories,” the city government stated in a post.
Malalag, Davao del Sur Mayor Maria Zorrahayda Valentin has also ordered the suspension of classes in seven schools near coastal barangays in response to Phivolcs’ tsunami warning.
The Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao has advised residents and visitors to stay away from the beach and coastal areas as a precautionary measure.