
By Gabriela Baron
Minor sea-level disturbance is expected following the 6.6-magnitude earthquake that hit waters off Gigmoto in Catanduanes Tuesday night, April 4, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported.
“Based on the tsunami wave models and early tide gauge records of the tsunami, it is expected to experience wave heights of less than one meter above the normal tides and may be higher on enclosed bays and straits,” Phivolcs said.
According to Phivolcs’ forecast, the first tsunami waves will arrive between 9:02 p.m. to 12:54 a.m. on April 5.
The public is advised to be on alert for unusual waves and to stay away from the beach and the coast of Catanduanes, Northern Samar, and Eastern Samar.
“People whose houses are located very near the shoreline of these provinces are advised to move farther inland,” Phivolcs said.
“Owners of boats in harbors, estuaries or shallow coastal water of the above-mentioned provinces should secure their boats and move away from the waterfront. Boats already at sea during this period should stay offshore in deep waters until further advised.”
READ MORE: 6.6-magnitude quake rocks Catanduanes town; aftershocks, damages expected