Tsunami Alert Issued in PH After Powerful Earthquake Near Russia

Planning a trip to the coast today? You might want to hold off for a bit. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has issued a tsunami advisory after a powerful undersea earthquake struck near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula.

The earthquake had a magnitude of 8.8 and was strong enough to trigger waves across the Pacific Ocean. While the quake happened far from the Philippines, it could still cause tsunami waves to reach parts of the country, especially coastal areas facing the Pacific.

Coastal Areas Told to Stay Alert

Image credit: Laurence Soulez | Canva Pro

According to Phivolcs, the first tsunami waves were expected to arrive between 1.20 PM and 2.40 PM on 30 July 2025. The waves are not expected to be very high, likely less than one metre, but they can still pose a risk to people near the shoreline.

Several areas across the country have been advised to stay alert. These include:

In Luzon: Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora and Quezon

In the Bicol Region: Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon and Catanduanes

In the Visayas: Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Leyte and Southern Leyte

In Mindanao: Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Davao Occidental, Davao del Sur and Davao de Oro

Phivolcs is encouraging people in these areas to stay away from beaches and coastal waters for the time being. If you notice the sea suddenly pulling away from the coast or rising quickly, do not wait. Head inland immediately and find a safe area.

Boat owners in shallow waters are advised to move their boats to deeper areas if possible. If a vessel is already out at sea in deep water, it is safer to stay there until further notice.

Government Response and What Travellers Should Know

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has ordered local officials to begin pre-emptive evacuations in coastal communities. Barangays have been told to prepare evacuation routes and identify nearby safe zones.

The Philippine Coast Guard has also placed its units on alert. They are coordinating with local governments and monitoring the situation closely.

While the predicted wave height may seem small, tsunamis often come in multiple waves and can continue for several hours. Even a wave under one metre can produce strong currents and cause flooding in low-lying areas.

If you are travelling in any of the affected provinces today, check in with your hotel or local authorities for updates. Many resorts and accommodations will have their own safety procedures in place. It is better to postpone any beach plans and explore inland spots instead.

Stay alert, listen to official updates and take precautions seriously. The sea will always be there, but your safety comes first.