Following the 8.7 magnitude earthquake that struck off the east coast of Kamchatka, Russia, this morning, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has called on concerned local government units (LGUs) to conduct immediate preemptive evacuation of communities located near the shoreline in vulnerable coastal provinces facing the Pacific Ocean.

Based on information from DOST-PHIVOLCS and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, tsunami waves less than one (1) meter in height are expected to reach the eastern seaboard of the Philippines between 1:20 PM and 2:40 PM today (July 30), and may persist for hours.

The affected LGUs are:

• Luzon: Batanes Group of Islands, Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes

• Visayas: Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte

• Mindanao: Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao Occidental, Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro

In its advisory, the DILG urged the concerned LGUs to also undertake the following critical preparedness measures:

* establish evacuation routes, directional signs, and safe zones for at-risk communities

* activate their respective Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) and Incident Management Teams (IMTs)

* strictly implement actions based on Operation Listo and Listong Pamayanan Tsunami Toolkit

* coordinate closely with regional and provincial DRRMCs, DOST-PHIVOLCS and other relevant agencies

The DILG also advised residents to remain vigilant and stay away from beaches and coastal waters until the official cancellation of the tsunami advisory by DOST-PHIVOLCS. People residing very near the shoreline are also strongly advised to move further inland as a precautionary measure. Boat owners are also told to secure their vessels and stay in deep water if already offshore.

The DILG also directed its Regional Directors in Regions II, III, IV-A, V, VIII, XI, and CARAGA to ensure all LGUs are on high alert and are closely coordinating with their respective Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (RDRRMCs).

Original Article At: https://dilg.gov.ph/news/DILG-Urges-Preemptive-Evacuation-and-Heightened-Coastal-Vigilance-Following-87-Magnitude-Earthquake-Off-Kamchatka-Russia/NC-2025-1125