Philippine authorities have issued a "catastrophic" tsunami warning following a 7.6 magnitude earthquake that struck the Mindanao region in the southeast of the country on Friday morning.
According to officials, tsunami waves up to three meters (10 feet) high are expected in coastal areas of the Philippines.
The Philippines' seismological agency warned of more aftershocks. Several tremors measuring 5.9 and 5.6 were felt within half an hour.
Residents in coastal cities in the central and southern Philippines have been advised to immediately evacuate to higher ground. No major damage has been reported at this time.
Office of Civil Defense deputy administrator Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro said that tsunami waves could hit six coastal provinces around Davao, and urged people to move to higher ground or further inland.
“We urge these coastal communities to be on alert and immediately evacuate to higher grounds until further notice,” Alejandro said in a video news briefing.
“Owners of boats in harbors and those in the coastal areas… should secure their boats and move away from the waterfronts,” he said.
The quake struck off the eastern side of Mindanao island, 123 kilometers (79 miles) from the island’s biggest city Davao, at a depth of 58.1 kilometers, around 9:45 a.m. Friday morning local time, according to the USGS. There were no immediate reports of damage.
Tsunami warning also issued in Indonesia
Meanwhile, a tsunami warning has also been issued in Indonesia, 300 kilometers from the epicenter of the earthquake in Mindanao. This warning has been issued for the Indonesian regions of North Sulawesi and Papua.
According to Philippine officials, the initial tsunami waves are expected to hit at 11:43 local time.
The Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has urged people living in coastal areas to "immediately move to higher ground."
On Friday morning, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said authorities are assessing the situation on the ground and search and rescue efforts are being prepared.
“We are working round the clock to ensure that help reaches everyone who needs it,” Marcos said.