Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre confirms 46cm waves in Davao following magnitude 8.2 earthquake

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre has confirmed that tsunami waves of 46cm were observed in Davao, Philippines, following a magnitude 8.2 earthquake. The agency, relaying data to the Japan Meteorological Agency, also recorded additional waves of 9cm in Bitung, Indonesia, and 2cm in Malakal Island, Palau. Reports from Davao indicate that buildings have collapsed in the wake of the seismic event.

In response to the earthquake, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami advisory for coastal areas stretching from Ibaraki Prefecture to Okinawa Prefecture. The advisory covers the Miyako-Yaeyama region, the Amami Islands-Tokara Islands, the Okinawa Main Island region, and the Daito Islands, with expected wave heights of up to one metre in certain regions.

Local authorities in Japan have moved quickly to implement safety protocols. The city of Kochi issued evacuation orders for coastal areas, while more than 50 people have taken shelter in tsunami evacuation buildings in Okinawa. The Japan Meteorological Agency held a press conference to outline the advisory and guidance on actions to take during such events.

The seismic activity has also disrupted transport and financial services. Ferry services in Tokyo Bay operated by Tokai Kisen have suspended operations or cancelled some sailings. In financial markets, the Nikkei stock index dropped by more than 3,000 yen, marking the fourth-largest intraday decline in its history.

While the primary focus remains on the tsunami response, the Japan Meteorological Agency and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government had previously issued a Level 4 flood danger warning for the Meguro River in Tokyo on June 3, 2026. This earlier alert, unrelated to the current tsunami event, highlights the ongoing weather-related alerts in the region as authorities manage multiple disaster risks.