Blog note. Jesus indicated that ‘fearful sights’ (various natural disasters) would occur leading up to the time known as the Tribulation and Great Tribulation (a combined seven year period of great destruction on earth). Although these types of things have occurred in the past for centuries and thousands of years, they could be identified as the ‘season of the times’ due to the ferociousness of these events. They would be occurring in greater intensity, severity, frequency, size, duration, scope … just like the pains that a women experiences in labor the farther along she is in the labor process. We are in the ‘season of the times’ that comes just before the seven (7) year Tribulation/Great Tribulation period

… And great earthquakes shall be in diverse places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. (Luke 21:11).

… And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; (Luke 21:25)

… Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken; (Luke 21:26)

… This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2 Timothy 3:1)

Jesus is giving a series of prophecies about what to look for as the age of grace comes to a close. These verses are several of many such prophecies from throughout the Bible. 2017 was the worst year in recorded history for the intensity, frequency, severity, duration and occurrence of a large number of severe natural disasters worldwide. Earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones, torrential flooding, unprecedented wildfires in unusual places, devastating droughts, excessive/scorching heat setting records everywhere, record snowfalls in Europe and Russia. Snow in the Arabia. This list can go on. Most studied Eschatologists believe these ‘fearful sights’ and massive natural disasters are all part of the ‘CONVERGENCE’ of signs that this Biblical and prophetic age is closing. Most people who study prophecy are familiar with the routine reference(s) made that these things will be like a woman having labor pains that occur in greater severity, frequency, size and duration prior to giving birth. End of note.

Very strong M7.2 earthquake hits near the coast of Philippines, tsunami warning issued

Posted by TW on December 29, 2018. Watchers.news

A very strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.2 (PHIVOLCS) hit near the coast of Mindanao, Philippines at 03:39 UTC (11:39 LT) on December 29, 2018. The agency is reporting a depth of 54 km (33 miles). Both USGS and EMSC registered it as M7.0 at a depth of 60 km (37 miles). 

Minor sea level disturbances such as strong currents and rapid rise and fall of seawaters are expected, PHIVOLCS said. The concerned public is advised to be on alert for unusual waves.

“Based on tsunami wave models and early tide gauge records of the tsunami in the Philippine Sea, coastal areas in Philippine provinces fronting the Philippine Sea are expected to experience wave heights of less than one meter above the normal tide levels. The first tsunami waves will arrive between 12:00 PM to 02:00 PM, December 29, 2018 (PST) and may not be the largest.

“These waves may continue for hours. People are advised to STAY AWAY FROM THE BEACH AND NOT TO GO TO THE COAST fronting the Philippine Sea of the following provinces during this 12:00 PM to 02:00 PM, and until the threat has passed: Compostela Valley Davao Del Norte Davao Del Sur Davao Oriental Davao City Sarangani South Cotabato Agusan Del Norte Agusan Del Sur Surigao Del Norte Surigao Del Sur People whose houses are located very near the shoreline of these provinces are advised to MOVE FARTHER INLAND.

“Owners of boats in harbors, estuaries or shallow coastal water of the abovementioned provinces should secure their boats and move away from the water front. Boats already at sea during this period 12:00 PM to 02:00 PM should stay offshore in deep waters until further advised.”

According to the USGS, the epicenter was located 84 km (52 miles) ESE of Pondaguitan (population 2 143), 128 km (80 miles) SSE of Mati (population 105 908), and 131 km (82 miles) E of Caburan (population 12 618), Davao, Philippines.

There are about 20 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).

16 000 people are estimated to have felt strong shaking, 539 000 moderate, and 13 936 000 light.

The USGS issued a green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage.

Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are a mix of vulnerable and earthquake resistant construction. The predominant vulnerable building types are unknown/miscellaneous types and heavy wood frame construction.

Little or no landsliding and liquefaction is expected, but some could have occurred in highly susceptible areas.

There have been no immediate reports of casualties or damage.