Phivolcs issues tsunami alert following 6.9 magnitude earthquake in Cebu

Phivolcs issued a tsunami advisory after a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Cebu.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology announced a minor sea level disturbance on its Facebook page, advising the public to stay away from coastal areas in Leyte, Cebu, and Biliran.

This means a minor sea level disturbance is “expected in some coastal areas with wave heights of less than one meter above the expected ocean tides.”

The recommended action includes the following:

• Staying away from the beach, avoiding the coast 
• Move farther inland for those whose houses are located very near the shoreline
• Secure boats and move away from the waterfront for boat owners in harbors, estuaries, or shallow coastal waters

Boats that are already at sea are also advised to stay offshore in deep waters until further notice, per Phivolcs.

The earthquake jolted Cebu on Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 9:59 p.m. It was at a depth of 10 kilometers.

Editor's Note: Phivolcs initially recorded a magnitude 6.7 quake before it was upgraded to magnitude 6.9. This article was updated to reflect the change.