Indonesia Warns of Tsunami Risk After Philippines Earthquake; Sangihe Residents Advised to Evacuate Coast

Authorities in Indonesia's Sangihe Islands have issued a warning to residents following a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck the Philippines, raising concerns about potential tsunami activity.

Michael Thungari, the Regent of Kepulauan Sangihe, urged the public to remain calm and vigilant. He emphasized the importance of awaiting official updates from the government and the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).

Monitoring by the BMKG has detected minor changes in sea levels, indicating small tsunami waves at observation points near Melonguane and Ulusiau. Despite these readings, the government is closely monitoring the situation and prioritizing preparedness.

Residents living or working in coastal areas are advised to heighten their awareness and temporarily move away from the immediate shoreline. The government stressed the need for orderly and directed actions, prioritizing vulnerable groups like children and the elderly, should self-evacuation become necessary. They also cautioned against spreading unverified information circulating on social media.