Davao oriental: The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Friday said it is ready to assist affected tourism stakeholders as it evaluates the extent of damage to the sector following the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck off Davao Oriental. 'The Secretary (Christina Frasco) has promptly instructed our Regional Offices to identify any affected tourist destinations and, more importantly, to assess whether there are tourism workers in need of assistance so we can respond quickly,' said DOT Assistant Secretary Ina Zara-Loyola in a message to reporters.

According to Philippines News Agency, the strong quake, recorded at 9:43 a.m., prompted the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) to issue a tsunami warning for coastal areas. Residents of Eastern Samar, Dinagat Islands, Davao Oriental, Southern Leyte, Surigao del Norte, Leyte, and Surigao del Sur were cautioned to evacuate to higher ground or move farther inland for safety, due to 'life-threatening waves exceeding one meter above normal tides.'

Phivolcs cancelled the tsunami warning at 1:43 p.m. Friday.