The Foreign Office has issued updated travel advice today in response to the recent earthquake in Mindanao, the second-largest island in the Philippines after Luzon and the seventh-most populous island globally. On Monday, June 8, Mindanao experienced a 7.0 magnitude earthquake, with tremors felt in Davao City around 7.40am local time.

Initially reported as an 8.2 magnitude event, the earthquake has been downgraded to 7.0 by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre. Potential tsunami alerts have been issued for various regions, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, Palau, Yap, Taiwan, Papua New Guinea, and the west coast of the United States.

Following the earthquake, the Foreign Office has cautioned British travelers planning trips to the affected area. The update from the FCDO states that aftershocks are expected, with potential damage to buildings and infrastructure. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has issued a tsunami warning, advising residents and visitors in coastal areas to move to higher ground.

President Bongbong Marcos of the Philippines has responded to the earthquake, declaring a tsunami warning for several coastal provinces in Mindanao. The government is actively coordinating disaster response efforts, including relief supplies pre-positioning, evacuation center readiness, and infrastructure damage assessment and clearance. Classes in affected areas have been suspended for safety, with ongoing communication and updates on the situation.

For the latest developments, follow our live blog for updates on the Philippines earthquake and tsunami alert.