Philippines Earthquake: UK Foreign Office Issues Urgent Travel Alert
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued urgent new travel advice following a powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Mindanao, the second-largest island in the Philippines, on Monday, June 8. The earthquake has left at least 12 people dead and 200 injured, with tremors felt in Davao City shortly before 7:40 a.m. local time.
The earthquake was initially estimated at magnitude 8.2 but was later downgraded to 7.0 by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre. In response, tsunami alerts have been issued for several regions, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, Palau, Yap, Taiwan, Papua New Guinea, and the west coast of the United States.
Official FCDO Advice
The FCDO has warned British nationals in the affected areas to follow local authorities' advice, move to higher ground if in coastal areas, be aware of aftershocks, avoid damaged buildings, and monitor local media. For those planning to travel to Mindanao, the FCDO advises contacting travel providers, ensuring travel insurance covers natural disasters, and staying informed via PHIVOLCS and NDRRMC. Traveling against FCDO advice may invalidate travel insurance.
Philippines President's Response
President Bongbong Marcos issued a statement directing government agencies to act immediately, including coordinating disaster response, pre-positioning relief goods, and assessing infrastructure damage. He also ordered the suspension of classes in affected areas until further notice, emphasizing the safety of children. He urged residents to heed the tsunami warning and move to higher ground.
