Philippine Space Agency handout image

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has warned the public against debris that fell from the launch of a Long March 7A rocket from China early Sunday.

The expected debris from the rocket launch was projected to have fallen in identified drop zones near Dalupiri Island, Cagayan; Burgos, Ilocos Norte; Camiguin Norte, Cagayan; and Santa Ana, Cagayan. 

PhilSA, in an advisory, said the Long March 7A rocket was launched from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in Wenchang, Hainan at around 12:05 a.m. Sunday

"Details of the rocket drop zone were disclosed through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) warning of an 'aerospace flight activity,'" PhilSA said, adding that it sent reports to government agencies and authorities prior to the launch. 

"While not projected to fall on land features or inhabited areas, falling debris poses danger and potential risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through the drop zone," the agency said. "There is also a possibility for the debris to float around the area and wash toward nearby coasts. Additionally, the possibility of an uncontrolled re-entry to the atmosphere of the rocket’s upper stages returning from outer space cannot be ruled out at this time." 

PhilSA urged the public to inform local authorities if they see suspected rocket debris. 

It also warned against retrieving or coming in close contact with these materials that may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel.