A strong 7.9-magnitude earthquake struck Mindanao in southern Philippines early on Monday (8th), causing noticeable tremors in multiple areas along the east coast of Sabah, including Tawau and Semporna.
The earthquake occurred at 7:37 AM, with the epicenter located at latitude 5.7°N and longitude 125.1°E, about 97 kilometers south of Koronadal City in the Philippines, at a depth of 50 kilometers.
The tsunami alert siren in Tawau sounded, notifying residents to be vigilant.
Coastal residents in Lampu (Tingkayu) and Batu Sapi (Batu Batong) have begun evacuating, and schools near the coast have dismissed students early.
Everything remained calm in Semporna, but all tourist island activities were suspended. The Disaster Committee has been activated and is fully prepared.