Mindanao in the southern Philippines continued to experience seismic activity on Monday, with several moderate earthquakes recorded hours after a powerful magnitude 7.9 earthquake struck the region earlier in the morning, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).
The latest tremors included a magnitude 5.3 earthquake at 12.44pm and a magnitude 5.6 earthquake at 12.46pm. Both quakes occurred in the Mindanao region at depths of 70km and 44km respectively. MetMalaysia said neither earthquake posed a tsunami threat to Malaysia.
The fresh tremors followed the major magnitude 7.9 earthquake that struck at 7.37am near Mindanao, approximately 97km south of Koronadal City at a depth of 50km. The earthquake triggered tsunami advisories in several countries, including Malaysia, with tremors felt in parts of Sabah, particularly Tawau and Semporna.
MetMalaysia had earlier issued a tsunami advisory for coastal areas in Tawau, Semporna, Kunak and Lahad Datu, warning of possible waves of up to 0.4 metres between 10.30am and noon. The advisory was subsequently lifted at noon after authorities determined there was no continuing threat to Malaysia.
The Sabah Fire and Rescue Department also confirmed that monitoring operations found no structural damage, unusual sea-level rise or emergency incidents along the state’s east coast, describing the situation as safe and under control.
Authorities in both Malaysia and the Philippines continue to monitor developments as aftershocks persist in the region.
