SAIPAN — CNMI emergency officials are warning everyone to stay out of the water through early this afternoon as dangerous rip currents and sea level fluctuations grip the Marianas in the wake of a strong earthquake near the Philippines.
The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management issued a Special Marine Advisory at 11:30 a.m. Monday placing Saipan, Tinian and Rota under a Beach Hazards Statement and a High Rip Current Risk in effect until 2 p.m. ChST this afternoon.
The advisory covers all reefs of the Marianas. Officials said dangerous rip currents and sea level fluctuations are expected along beaches, harbors and coastal waters, and warned that rip currents can sweep even the strongest swimmers away from shore into deeper water.
The hazard follows an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.8 that struck near Mindanao, Philippines at 9:38 a.m. ChST. Waves of less than 0.3 meters are possible across the Marianas, and HSEM said those waves will drive the sea level fluctuations and dangerous currents now expected through the afternoon.
Gov. David M. Apatang reminded the public to stay out of the water and away from the beaches. For anyone caught in a rip current, officials advised swimmers to relax and float rather than fight the current. Swimmers who are able should move in a direction following the shoreline, and anyone unable to escape should face the shore and call or wave for help.
The advisory was compiled at the CNMI Emergency Operations Center State Warning Point based on information from the National Weather Service in Tiyan, Guam. The EOC State Warning Point operates 24 hours a day and can be reached at (670) 237-8000 or (670) 664-8000.
