The Foreign Office has issued updated travel advice today in response to the recent earthquake in Mindanao, the second-largest island in the Philippines after Luzon. The earthquake, measuring 7.0 in magnitude, struck on June 8, with its impact felt in Davao City around 7.40am local time.
Initially reported as an 8.2 magnitude event, the earthquake has since been downgraded to 7.0 by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre. Tsunami alerts have been issued for several regions, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, Palau, Yap, Taiwan, Papua New Guinea, and the west coast of the United States.
The Foreign Office has cautioned British travelers planning to visit Mindanao, highlighting potential aftershocks and infrastructure damage in affected areas. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has issued a tsunami warning, advising coastal residents and visitors to move to higher ground.
President Bongbong Marcos of the Philippines has responded to the earthquake, declaring a tsunami warning for coastal provinces in Mindanao. Government agencies are mobilizing disaster response efforts, including relief goods distribution, evacuation center preparations, and infrastructure assessment.
Classes in Mindanao have been suspended, prioritizing the safety of residents, particularly children. The national government is actively coordinating with regional offices and local authorities to ensure timely updates and support for affected areas.
For the latest developments on the situation, readers can follow our live blog for updates.