TAWAU, 8 Jun — The Fire and Rescue Department has received two reports of tremors felt by residents at Wisma Persekutuan and Taman Tawau following a strong earthquake that struck Mindanao, in the Philippines, this morning.

Tawau Fire and Rescue Department operations officer Madzlan Sarman said no damage had been reported as a result of the tremors.

“We conducted inspections immediately after receiving the reports at about 8am and have continued monitoring the situation since then,” he told Bernama.

He said sea conditions remained normal as of 11am, while the department was closely monitoring coastal areas, particularly residential zones, until the tsunami warning was lifted.

“Among the areas being monitored are coastal stretches along Jalan Traulsen, including Tinagat. The department is prepared for any eventuality.

“We have also made preparations at the station in collaboration with the Marine Police Force, including the deployment of boat assets and life jackets,” he said.

A Bernama survey found conditions along the coastline in Tawau town to be relatively calm, although high tide was observed.

Several boats were seen operating at sea, while police personnel were conducting patrols and preventing members of the public from approaching the shoreline as a precautionary measure.

A magnitude 7.9 earthquake struck Mindanao at 7.37 am at a depth of 50 kilometres. The epicentre was located at latitude 5.7 degrees north and longitude 125.1 degrees east.

Following the quake, authorities issued a tsunami warning, with waves of up to 0.4 metres expected to affect coastal areas in Tawau, Semporna, Kunak and Lahad Datu between 10.30am and noon today. — Bernama