The Philippine Seismology Department instructed those living along the coast to leave the area immediately.
An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 has occurred off the island of Mindanao in the Philippines, according to preliminary data. The news agencies AFP and Reuters report on the matter.
The center of the earthquake was located at a depth of more than 30 kilometers, a couple of kilometers northeast of Hinatuan.
A tsunami warning was issued for both the Philippines and the west coast of Japan. In the Philippines, boat owners were advised to secure their vessels and move away from the shore.
A strong aftershock with a magnitude of 6.4 also occurred in the southern Philippines, according to the US Geological Survey.
So far, no information has been received about personal injuries caused by the earthquakes.
Hinatuan Police Chief Joseph Lambo tells AFP that the first quake was strong.
– Household appliances fell from the police’s shelves and two televisions broke. A motorcycle parked outside also overturned.
25 years old Dyl Constantino tells AFP that he was on the Philippine island of Siargao when the earthquake happened.
– It was the longest and strongest earthquake I have ever experienced. It probably took about four minutes.
Tsunami waves can rise up to three meters
Philippine authorities have warned in advance of life-threatening destruction.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) previously estimated that tsunami waves could rise up to three meters. Later, according to Reuters, the USGS estimated that there is no longer a tsunami threat.
The first waves caused by the earthquake are expected to reach the coast before midnight local time, i.e. before 18:00 Finnish time.
According to Reuters, the tsunami is expected to reach Japan at a height of about one meter at around 1:30 a.m. local time.
The island nation of the Philippines is located in a volcanically active region where earthquakes are relatively common.
The story is updated.