Manila: The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) on Wednesday took immediate action to halt port operations in designated high-risk areas in light of a tsunami advisory. This advisory was issued following a magnitude 8.7 earthquake that occurred off Kamchatka, Russia.
According to Philippines News Agency, PPA General Manager Jay Santiago has directed all PPA Port Management Offices (PMOs) across Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao to cease all operations related to passenger embarkation, disembarkation, and cargo handling, effective from noon. Santiago emphasized the importance of vigilance and cooperation with partner agencies to monitor the situation, stressing that public safety is the primary concern.
The suspension will remain until further notice from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). In Luzon, the suspension affects provinces including Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Catanduanes, and Sorsogon. In the Visayas, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Leyte, and Southern Leyte have been warned. Mindanao's affected areas include Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and Davao de Oro.
Vessels docked or approaching ports have been alerted to move to deeper waters if required. The public is advised to avoid beaches and coastal regions during the threat period. Measures are being taken to secure floating equipment, small vessels, and port assets, with emergency response teams on standby until Phivolcs declares the threat over.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has also heightened its alertness. PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, instructed all PCG districts to increase readiness, disseminate information, and issue a Notice to Mariners. Coordination with local government units in coastal areas is also being undertaken to ensure preparedness for potential tsunami impacts.
Phivolcs issued a 9 a.m. tsunami warning, indicating a minor sea-level disturbance stemming from the Russian earthquake. Coastal areas in the Philippines facing the Pacific Ocean may experience tsunami wave heights of less than one meter, with the initial waves projected to arrive between 1:20 p.m. and 2:40 p.m. and potentially continuing for hours.
