Lahad Datu authorities ramp up coastal monitoring after a strong Mindanao earthquake triggers a tsunami warning, but the situation remains under control
LAHAD DATU: The Lahad Datu District Disaster Management Committee (JPBD) has stepped up monitoring of waters off the district, including the Tungku sub-district, following a tsunami warning issued after a strong earthquake struck Mindanao, the Philippines, this morning.
Lahad Datu JPBD chairman Firuz Izualdeen Mohd Dzul said the committee was monitoring the situation and had preparedness measures in place to ensure residents’ safety.
“As of 10.37 am, the situation in Lahad Datu remains under control and no untoward incidents have been reported.
“Security personnel have also been deployed to several strategic locations near coastal areas to enhance monitoring and enable swift action if required,” he said in a statement here today.
He also sought the cooperation of schools to allow parents to take their children home as a precautionary measure.
“It is hoped that the school will ensure the safety and welfare of students who remain on the school premises,” he said.
Firuz Izualdeen also advised residents living near coastal areas to remain vigilant and comply with instructions issued by the authorities.
Meanwhile, Lahad Datu Civil Defence Force (APM) officer Lieutenant Colonel (PA) Mohd Fazleesham Eizwan Shah, when met by Bernama, said monitoring of the tsunami risk began at about 10.24 am and that the water situation remained under control.
“There are several areas at high risk of tsunami threats, including Tungku, Felda Sahabat, Tanjung Labian and Tambisan.
“These areas are close to the Philippines and we are also on standby,” he said.
Kampung Tanjung Labian headman Montaha Saligaring said there was a strange phenomenon occurring, with river and sea waters flowing differently from usual.
“Today the water is rising and flowing from downstream to upstream,” he said when contacted by Bernama.
According to him, villagers were also taking early precautions by seeking shelter and moving to higher ground for safety.
The 7.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Mindanao, the Philippines, occurred at 7.37 am at a depth of 50 kilometres, with the epicentre located at latitude 5.7 degrees north and longitude 125.1 degrees east.
Following this, a tsunami warning of up to 0.4 metres was issued, with waves expected to hit the coastal areas of Tawau, Semporna, Kunak and Lahad Datu between 10.30 am and 12 pm today.
