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Tremors were felt in Tawau, Semporna and surrounding areas after a powerful 7.9-magnitude offshore earthquake struck Mindanao, Philippines, at 7.37am today. The epicentre was recorded approximately 97km south of Koronadal City, at a depth of around 50km.
Footage circulating widely online showed a group of schoolchildren huddled on the ground as adults swayed alongside them during the tremors in Semporna, Sabah. At the rear of the group, a woman could be seen urgently waving people away from a nearby structure, and they moved just moments before the structure gave way and collapsed.
No tsunami warning has been issued for Malaysia and the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) is actively monitoring the situation.
However, regional alerts remain in place like the coastal areas in Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, and Lahad Datu.
Members of the public who experienced shaking are urged to fill an official feedback form here to support ongoing assessment efforts.
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup advised the public to avoid coastal areas for everyone’s safety. The public is also reminded not to spread unverified information that could cause unnecessary harm.
Wisma Putra advised Malaysians residing in or travelling to the affected regions in the Philippines to remain vigilant. They can register and update their contact details via the e-Konsular portal here.
For immediate consular assistance or emergencies, Malaysians can contact the Embassy of Malaysia in Manila by calling +63 2 8662 8200 for general enquiries, the Emergency Helpline (after office hours) at +63 961 077 8113 or email: mwmanila@kln.gov.my.
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