Sangihe Regent Urges Residents to Avoid Coastlines to Evade Tsunami Waves

The Sangihe Islands Regency Government has issued an appeal to the public to remain calm and increase vigilance following earthquake activity measuring magnitude 7.7 in the Philippines, which carries the potential to trigger a tsunami.

“The community is urged to maintain a conducive environment and not to panic while awaiting official information from the government and BMKG (Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency),” stated the Regent of Sangihe Islands, Michael Thungari, in a statement on Tuesday (8/6).

Michael revealed that based on monitoring data from BMKG instruments, changes in sea levels or relatively small tsunami waves have been detected at several observation points around the Melonguane and Ulusiau areas.

Nevertheless, the government emphasised that maritime conditions are still being continuously monitored, and preparedness remains the top priority in facing the developing situation.

“Residents who are active or residing in coastal areas are asked to increase their vigilance in a measured manner. The public is also requested to pay attention to their surrounding environment and to avoid the shoreline area temporarily until the situation is declared safe,” he said.

Furthermore, the government reminded the public not to take hasty actions that could endanger safety. “If independent action is required, residents are asked to do so in an orderly and directed manner, prioritising vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly,” he added.

Michael also urged the public not to be easily influenced by unverified information circulating on social media, including voice recordings or videos of unclear origin and veracity. “The local government, along with all security and disaster management personnel, remains on alert and is monitoring developments from BMKG in real-time,” he concluded.