Overview:
Palau’s National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) swiftly issued a tsunami advisory on Friday following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake in the Philippines. While the quake caused concern across the region, Palau experienced only mild tremors and no reported damage, thanks to timely government alerts and community vigilance.
By: Summer Kennard
KOROR, Palau — The National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) issued a tsunami advisory Friday morning after a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck near the eastern coast of Mindanao, Philippines, prompting brief concern but little impact across Palau.
According to the Palau National Weather Service Office (WSO), the quake occurred at 10:44 a.m. Palau time at a depth of about 23 kilometers. NEMO’s advisory, released at 11:25 a.m., warned that tsunami waves between 0.3 to 1 meter above tide level could reach some coasts of Palau around 3:30 p.m.
Officials said the risk was minimal since the timing coincided with low tide, and no evacuation orders were issued. Residents were urged to remain observant, particularly near coastal areas.
Many Palauans reported mild tremors across the islands. A Palau Community College student described the shaking as “very minimal,” saying, “At first I was confused. I thought I was moving, but after a few seconds, I realized it was an earthquake because objects started making noise. Some people in the same building didn’t feel it at all.”
Others, including a bedridden senior citizen, said the experience was more unsettling. “I felt it. It really shook the bed. I was scared, but my thoughts were with the people more affected by this,” the resident said.
Another resident recalled being home alone when the quake occurred. “I felt the minimal shake that lasted a few seconds, but it was still scary as the ceiling fans swayed,” they said.
By early afternoon, the WSO confirmed there was no longer a tsunami threat to Palau. As of Friday evening, no unusual sea activity or damages were reported across the Republic.
While the quake caused significant concern and damage in parts of the Philippines, Palau’s quick response and timely public advisories helped reassure residents and ensure community safety.