DENR tells public to avoid areas with coastal uplift

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Soccsksargen on Tuesday told residents in the coastal areas of Gian, Sarangani, to stay clear of areas where coastal uplift occurred after the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in the province on June 8.

Coastal uplift refers to the vertical rise of the shoreline caused by tectonic shifts or strong earthquakes, which permanently changes the coast and exposes submerged coral reefs and marine habitats.

READ: Coastal uplift seen in Sarangani, Davao Occ. after Mindanao earthquake

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In an advisory, the DENR-Soccsksargen advised the public, especially residents in affected areas to strictly adhere to the following safety protocols:

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Move to safe distances: Communities near the newly extended shoreline must vacate immediate coastal areas due to rapid biomass decay caused by the sudden 2-meter vertical shift.

Avoid health hazards: Stay away from the exposed zones to minimize exposure to severe public health and biological risks.

Do not touch stranded marine life: Avoid handling, clearing, or salvaging dead reef fishes, eels, clams, and shells stranded across the exposed benthic zones.

Prevent contamination: Leaving the marine biomass untouched is critical to prevent personal injury and potential biological contamination.

Stay clear of intertidal zones: Keep out of the affected intertidal areas until official clearing operations begin.

Wait for sanitation: Allow the DENR Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to execute coordinated biohazard mitigation and rapid sanitation strategies safely.

The DENR also told residents who encounter coastal uplifts to immediately send report to the designated regional hotlines: 09096189917 for Smart; 09953050306 for Globe

“When sending a report, please provide your exact location and a brief description of the hazard. Do not put yourself in danger to take photos or videos,” the DENR said.

The DENR-Soccsksargen issued the order after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported that co-seismic coastal uplift was observed along the coastlines of several barangays in Gian, Sarangani.

The coastline reportedly rose by about 2 meters, while the shoreline retreated by approximately 200 meters. /das

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HELP MINDANAO EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

The Inquirer Foundation is calling for support for communities devastated by the recent magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao.

In partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, the foundation is amplifying appeals for food, clean water and other critical assistance for affected families.

Donors may send contributions directly to the Philippine Red Cross through its official transfer channels, the complete list is available on the PRC’s Facebook page.

The Philippine Red Cross has activated its emergency fund campaign and deployed teams on the ground to provide medical services, distribute relief goods and extend psychosocial support to affected families.

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