Tsunami Threat Passes in Philippines and Indonesia After Powerful Quake
A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of the Philippines’ Mindanao region, triggering fears of a tsunami. The US-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) initially warned of waves up to 3 meters above normal levels along some Philippine coasts and up to 1 meter high hitting Indonesia and Palau. However, the threat has now passed, and authorities have lifted the tsunami warnings.
Impact of the Earthquake
The earthquake, which occurred at 09:43 Philippine time, caused widespread concern and prompted evacuations in several coastal provinces. One woman died in Mati city after being hit by falling debris, local officials reported. Indonesian authorities recorded minor tsunamis, ranging from 3.5 cm to 17 cm, in North Sulawesi and urged people to remain calm.
Response Efforts
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos has directed search and rescue operations to be deployed as soon as it’s safe to do so. The Philippines is still reeling from a string of natural disasters in recent weeks, including a deadly earthquake in Cebu province and typhoons in the northern and central regions.
Earthquake Insurance: A Must-Have for Disaster-Prone Areas
This recent earthquake serves as a reminder of the importance of having earthquake insurance, especially for those living in disaster-prone areas. Standard homeowners insurance policies typically exclude coverage for earthquakes, leaving homeowners to bear the brunt of the damage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Earthquake Insurance
- What is earthquake insurance?: Earthquake insurance provides coverage for damage caused by seismic activity, including damage to homes and personal property.
- How much does earthquake insurance cost?: The cost of earthquake insurance depends on several factors, including location, home value, and coverage selected.
- What does earthquake insurance cover?: Earthquake insurance typically covers dwelling coverage, personal property coverage, and loss-of-use coverage.
- Do I need earthquake insurance if I’m a renter?: Yes, renters insurance with earthquake coverage can protect your personal belongings and cover temporary living expenses if your rental is damaged.
- Which insurance companies offer earthquake insurance?: Companies like GEICO, Allstate, and Liberty Mutual offer earthquake insurance policies. You can also check with the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) for state-led earthquake insurance in California.
Some notable insurance providers for earthquake coverage are:
- GEICO: Offers earthquake insurance through Arrowhead General Insurance Agency
- Allstate: Provides earthquake insurance with optional add-ons for water backup and yard damage
- Liberty Mutual: Offers earthquake insurance as part of their homeowners policy or as a standalone policy
Getting an Earthquake Insurance Quote
If you’re concerned about earthquake damage, consider getting an earthquake insurance quote from providers like GEICO or Allstate. You can also check with local insurance agents for more information on earthquake insurance policies ¹ ².
